Thank you to Susanne Mikler for sharing this with us!
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Alouettes Grey Cup win in 1974. The team has been reunited to celebrate the amazing milestone.
Of course, not all alumni are returning for the celebration. Some are geographically isolated as far away as Hawaii and others are watching from another realm. It’s an event for the record books as fans watch the current team and meet their gridiron heroes from yesteryear.
Organizers have arranged an alumni meet and greet on the terrace of the Delta Hotel in downtown Montreal. Players, trainers, managers and guests are invited to toast the team from 1974. The energy in the air is amazing as teammates reunite and share their stories. It’s a pleasure to watch the expressions of joy and laughter as memories unfold. Mostly the alumni are retired and enjoying their golden years; some from coaching (Wally Buono) some from industry and among them are a senator (Larry Smith) and public figure (Peter DallaRiva).
All are transported back to their playing days when they are presented with authentic retro jerseys. And it’s interesting to note that most jerseys are not sized to 1974 levels; everyone has taken on a new shape.
The next day is game day and the alumni are asked to sign autographs before the game. All were taken aback to see the line ups for the autograph session. Fans were provided with retro postcards depicting the team. But most brought their own items to be signed including hats, jerseys, footballs and flags. The line up stretched for hours and did not wane. The alumni were kept busy the entire time.
Meanwhile, in the alumni vip tent, we were able to watch the pregame warm ups and see the 1974 team honoured on the jumbotron. The stadium was filling up to capacity. When the alumni returned to the tent it was just in time to sing Oh Canada in English and French. The game started and the fans were loud! The noise of air horns and vuvuzelas was deafening. The stadium literally hummed with excitement and sounds.
Just before half time the alumni were rounded up to head to the field alongside the Grey Cup trophy. The noise on the field was even more intense than in the stands. Hard to hear yourself think! And the lights were so bright! What a rush!!
Each alumni was welcomed onto the red carpet to gather on the field. The crowd was cheering wildly and clapping with enthusiasm. As we walked back to the tent we heard someone calling “Rudy”! Looking into the seating areas we spotted Liam Quinn. How awesome that he was there for this amazing opportunity to honour the 1974 team as his dad was such a big part of it all.
Back in the tent we watch the rest of the game and are thrilled that Montreal has pulled ahead and clinched a win. After the game the alumni is again invited to the field where fans are allowed to interact with players old and new. It’s a pleasure to watch the players enjoy their wins with fans.
A well organized and wonderful event. Kudos to the team responsible. Thanks to the alumni who participated. And thanks to Rudy for letting me be a part of it 🏈💗🏈
