Traditions follow the Panda Bowl from Lansdowne to Lees Avenue
IT IS NO secret that the Panda Bowl used to take place in the now torn-down Lansdowne Stadium; what is perhaps less known is the longstanding division between south siders and north siders.
A south sider is a proud sports fan who toughed the dreary weather and poor seating conditions of sitting on the south side of Lansdowne Stadium. They did this not only to be closer to the home team’s bench, but also to have the canal at their back.
The south side of the stadium had no overarching shelter to protect it from the rain or snow.
The fans had to deal with Mother Nature’s continual bickering while watching the football games. It is clear, however, that these fans were cut from a different cloth than the north siders, who gave up proximity to their team for comfort.
That division between the south side and the north is what differentiates a spirited sports fan from a run-of-the-mill sports Joe.
Aaron Colbon opened Lees Avenue Stadium with a 523-yard passing game, overshadowing every other quarterback in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport. Let’s not forget to appreciate the meaning of this: He is among only seven to have achieved such a feat in the Ontario University Athletics’ history books.
With the Lees Avenue stadium, Gee-Gees fans have been given a great opportunity. It will be the home of the next Panda Bowl.
It is also not a secret that Lees Avenue Stadium was built without a dome. Will Gee-Gees fans be south siders or will they simply stay at home?
