Fans cheer on as Detroit Lions host second-ever Canadian tailgate party in London
CBC
Hundreds of Detroit Lions fans crowded into London's Canada Life Place on Sunday as part of a watch party event organized by the team.
The amassed crowd, decked out in their best Lions garb, watched on as Detroit established a franchise record for wins, beating the Chicago Bears 34-17.
The team was playing hundreds of kilometres away at Chicago's Soldier Field, but they may as well have been playing in downtown London, judging by the level of enthusiasm on display.
More than two hours before kickoff, Lions fans could be already seen queued up in the bitter cold waiting to get their hands on a custom Detroit Lions toque, a free giveaway for early arrivals.
A nearby tailgate party on Dundas Place helped keep spirits up despite the weather. A DJ blasted music, while members of the Detroit Lions cheerleading team performed a quick routine with Honolulu Boom, the Lions' drumline.
"The turnout's fantastic," said Tim Small, who was among those waiting in line.
"We actually have season tickets in Detroit ... it's amazing to see the turnout and the number of people who are Lions fans."
Detroit remains top ranked in the NFC standings, and their luck this season has fans of all ages exuberant about the possibility of the Lions landing their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
Despite several player injuries, local fans remain positive about the team's prospects.
"They got a lot of injuries, but number one seed would give 'em some time to rest, and all you can do is hope," said Greg Munro, who attended the game with his wife, Luna, and their two children.
"[They] just to seem to be all for each other. No selfish players. Everyone just wants to get to the Super Bowl and win it for Coach Dan and the city, I think."
Some of those in attendance have stuck with the team through the good times and the bad.
"I've been a fan since the seventies," said Brad Erskine.
"It is exciting. Super, super exciting. We finally have a team that can probably go all the way. Defence is a little beat up, but the grit's going to pull 'em through."
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Hundreds of Detroit Lions fans crowded into London's Canada Life Place on Sunday as part of a watch party event organized by the team.
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