EDMONTON – Chantelle Miller has been an Eskimos season ticket holder for two decades, so she’s earned the right to be called a super fan.
“I have been a 20-year season ticket holder in the same seat, and in those 20 years, I haven’t missed one game.”
She also knows a thing or two about going to the Grey Cup.
Her pilgrimage to Winnipeg for the 103rd Grey Cup festival this year will be her 14th trip to the CFL championship game.
Packing wisely, she knows that Winnipeg holds the dubious distinction of hosting the coldest Grey Cup ever. Back in 1991, the temperature was -18°C at kick off.
And she embraces the cold.
“I think it’s fun. That’s part of going to Grey Cup in Canada!”
There will be plenty of fun in Winnipeg this weekend, as long as you’re keeping warm. Temperatures will be in the -3°C to -6°C range for the duration of the game on Sunday.
“If your head is warm, your hands are warm, your belly is full, and your feet are warm — you will enjoy the game,” said Miller.
Along with her staples of long johns, thermal socks, and snow pants, she’s left room in her luggage for a lot more.
Like her size small Almondo Sewell jersey for wearing to her favourite party spot, the Spirit of Edmonton. And then, the identical look in a men’s XL.
“It has to fit over three layers and a parka,” she laughs.
All in all, she’s packing six jerseys for her trip and six cow bells. She even has white-coloured plastic cups, knowing the red variety are often used, and that she’d rather “be dead than wear red.”
She’s got her bases covered and is hoping to witness another Eskimos’ Grey Cup win in the cold, just like she saw in Regina back in 2003.
“By the fourth quarter, we could no longer feel the tips of our fingers and our toes, but by the time the game was over and the Eskimos had won, we were as warm and as happy as we could be.”
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