I remember attending my first Stampeders game in 1966 (junior quarterback section, of course).
While most of my friends were looking at the play on the field (Toronto was in town), I was looking up at the broadcast booth to see where Eric Bishop sat. Eventually, I spotted Bishop – at that time the king of football coverage. That day, I said to myself that it would be really neat to be in that booth one day.
Well, all these years later, it’s still “neat” to be in the booth! With the broadcast rights extension involving the Calgary Stampeders, Corus Radio and Global Calgary, there will be many more opportunities to be in that booth.
I take those sentiments into each and every broadcast we do on News Talk 770. There is the prep work, the game production elements to worry about; but there is always the excitement of knowing I get to be in the booth. The place where the esteemed Eric Bishop sat so many years ago.
I never forget that there may be a youngster sitting in the stands, wondering where those guys in the booth are seated. Hint: it’s just above the big banner on the west side.
To me, there is no such thing as “just ànother game.” I understand that some games are far more impactful than others. However, I know Stampeder fans have tuned in for a reason. I know sponsors have aligned themselves with the broadcasts for a reason.
I know there are people waiting for history to be made– or announced.
I will never take the support of our many listeners and sponsors for granted.
News Talk 770 has been a central part of the Stampeders story for 26 years. Now, it’s time to move into a new era of broadcasting and a new era in Stampeders football.
Thank you to everyone involved!