Last Friday, the Grey Cup made a stop at a private residence in Barrie on its way to Muskoka.
Bob Martinell, an avid CFL fan and local resident has been a season ticket holder for the Argos for many years.
“I believe it was 2016 was the first time I took out season tickets because I had an older son and daughter that liked to go down with me,” Bob shares. Having taken off a year for medical reasons in 2022, Bob is excited to be returning as an Argos season ticket holder this year.
He goes on to explain that as a season ticket holder, he was contacted by the Argos, along with other season ticket holders. He was then asked what he would do if the Grey Cup were to come to his house or somewhere near him.
Bob told them that he would “Invite a few neighbors, some friends. Maybe the media. Have some hot chocolate because it's going to be outdoors.”
With so many people to choose from, he didn’t expect to hear back.
“I put the answer in, never expecting anything to come of it, and about two weeks ago, I think it was the 31st of January, I was told that I was one of them.”
According to Bob, he was one of 109 season ticket holders that won a chance to see the Grey Cup up close and personal.
Bob chatted with us a few days before the Grey Cup arrival. During our conversation, he shared, “They’re coming between 10:30 and 1:00 …The street where I live will be invited, or at least they'll be aware of, perhaps higher than normal volume of traffic for that time period.” He continued, “I've just asked people to dress warmly and we'll have some hot chocolate, some coffee maybe, and a few biscuits or cookies and whatnot while we're waiting. And hopefully, we’ll not have to wait till 1 o'clock.”
He also shared that, “In speaking with the agent that I deal with …I'm the first one on their list of nine stops during the day … and that indeed, I am the only resident of Barrie where they would be stopping.” After stopping at Bob’s house in Barrie, the Grey Cup headed toward Muskoka with 8 more stops.
All images supplied by Bob Martinell.
