TAIT: Elks’ Struggles Show Who The True Fans Are

Columnists

The people attending Elks’ home games deserve the same amount of learned conversation as the colourful seats.

Published Jul 15, 2023 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 2 minute read

Edmonton Elks players celebrate on the field at Commonwealth Stadium The Edmonton Elks’ Nyles Morgan (45) celebrates a quarterback sack against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during first half CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium, in Edmonton Thursday July 13, 2023. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia

When you spend six weeks in a hospital bed, you learn t0 appreciate things — new things you didn’t know were in this wonderful city we have.

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I learned this valuable lesson as 2023 rolled in, whenever I rolled over in my University of Alberta bed. A stereo case of pneumonia — both lungs in play — pounded through my body.

The amount of friends who came out was overwhelming. Without a doubt, they were the single biggest factor to my recovery, and subsequent discharge.

The best, though, was yet to come: weeks, even days, after I was released those same forever friends continued to visit me, and, together, we celebrate my sparkling new bill of health.

And the future. For the longest time, I could see a future full of endless opportunities, full of new ideas, engaging new projects.

That will forever be a lasting treasured memory of friends — some who, magically, became friends through my hospital stay — who worked with doctors, nurses, community housing experts and others so I could jump-start my life.

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I remember some people asking me if a mutual friend was up to visit me.

Yes, I said, once or twice. But I strongly believe a popularity competition was absolutely not transpiring.

People are busy. And for those people who could only share a few visits are still, in my view, in the same class of friends as the ones who just left a few hours ago.

Friends are friends: a clock does not file a report.

So, are fans always fans, in good times and bad?

That thesis went through my mind Friday night at the Edmonton Elks game, looking at Commonwealth Stadium’s east stands and the fans sparsely sitting in groups, exposing the empty green-and-gold seats.

It wouldn’t been hard to count them. And I’m being darn serious.

The sight caused many conversions, I am certain, about the lack of fans taking in the games.

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Then, right on cue, Anne Murray’s 1973 hit “Hey, What About Me?” played in my mind’s audio vault.

The vibe around the Elks’ attendance this year is the concern.

We could crunch numbers and calculate how many fans the Elks are averaging this game. While that figure may be of interest — surely, it’s somewhere out there in webland — it really doesn’t nudge this journalistic effort forward.

For the point has to be driven safely home, the people attending Elks’ home games deserve the same amount of learned conversation as the colourful seats.

They define the meaning of loyal fans.

The cliches are numerous, aren’t they?

Through the good and the band.

Through thick and thin.

Til death do us apart.

When the Elks finally disengage the brake on this epic train wreck of a season — and they will — jubilant Jasper Avenue sidewalk soldiers will have that satisfied extra spring in their step.

And for those folks who have been in the pews for every home Elk game, let’s commend them for their civic compassion.

The day will come when Edmonton Elks fans will be a plenty for home games in Commonwealth Stadium.

We must, absolutely, honour the foundations of such success.

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