The CFL and the fans in attendance could not have asked for much more at this year’s edition of Touchdown Atlantic- as fans were treated to a close game on a gorgeous day in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The Toronto Argonauts ended up claiming their second win of the season after Wynton McManis returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown that effectively wrapped up the game with less than two minutes left to go.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders head home with the loss, however, it didn’t deter their traveling fans from enjoying the day. Although fans from both teams traveled to support their teams the overwhelming majority at the game which was played at Acadia University’s Raymond Field were members of Rider Nation.
Tailgate for #touchdownatlantic well underway, overwhelming majority of fans in Riders gear. @ckbwradio @CJHKCountry pic.twitter.com/6DnCm8Xee8
— Evan Taylor (@evanrtaylor) July 16, 2022
The town of Wolfville proved a worthy host despite concerns heading into the game about traffic congestion in the small town. RCMP who assisted with traffic flow said at the game that there were no major issues with traffic in part thanks to the many fans who opted to use the shuttles offered from Halifax by the CFL.
Michael “Pinball” Clements, CFL Hall of Famer, and current Argos GM spoke highly of his experience at Touchdown Atlantic, “It’s obvious people here are passionate about football, the people are so kind and I think this is definitely a place we’d want to come back to,”.
Michael “Pinball” Clements speaking with some Riders fans at Touchdown Atlantic in Wolfville, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor
Clements who is one of the most iconic figures in the CFL was a big hit with the fans as well, posing for pictures and signing autographs throughout the event.
Players also seemed to enjoy their time in Nova Scotia, when questioned postgame about the feisty nature of the game Argonauts DB Enock Makonzo corrected reporters, “Make no mistake it might have been fiesty but it was a party out there, we could tell the fans were having a good time and we’ve really enjoyed our time in Atlantic Canada,.”
It’s no surprise that the game was well attended with the 10,000 tickets that were put up for sale selling out in an hour. During the game attendance was announced as 10,835.
How much of a boost the game brought to the Wolfville economy is still unknown, but it will likely be high with the town’s restaurants and bars appearing packed before and after the game.
