Tour buses not filling up for Labour Day Classic

The new number one quarterback was calling the signals at Bomber practice on Friday as the team gears up for Monday’s match-up against the British Colombia Lions.

But some fans are already looking ahead to the Labour Day Classic next month, and wondering if they’ll make the trip to Regina.

“I used to go all the time,” said one Bomber fan. “But there’s just no energy, no excitement around the team. I’ve got other places to spend my money.

“If I could get the time off work I would go, sure,” said another. “I don’t care how bad the team is, I have to support the team.”

Bennet Charter was at the Labour Day Classic last year when the Bombers were humiliated 52-0. He’s going again this year.

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“I was there last year so I think it can’t just much well uh – I won’t say it. I don’t want to jynx anything,” Charter said. “It was the only game I’ve ever left early. Ever,” he said, laughing.

But other fans aren’t so hopeful.

A few years ago All-Star Tours sent 6 buses full of Bomber fans to the game. This year, Ken Burns’ Tour Company is having trouble filling two.

“A lot of people just chose not to go this year. I can’t be going there and losing 50 nothing, I can’t be going there and being embarrassed,” said Burns.

True Blue Booster Crew, another tour bus company, is also scaling back, unable to fill two buses.

Bomber players say they can’t blame fans for being upset with the team, having lost 4 out of 5 games so far this season.

“I mean, just the way we’ve been playing so far I could understand their concerns but it’s a long season,” said Terrence Edwards, slotback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers

“Nothing we can really do about it besides try to get some wins and try to get the fans back on board,” said Cornerback Jovanne Johnson.

And getting back on board is exactly what some fans are hoping the Bombers do before the Labour Day Classic.

“I hope to see an exciting football game and a competitive football game and I know I’ll be watching,” said Charter.