Perfect marriage of stadium and fans ends
The Tiger Cats have called Civic stadium home since 1950, but Saturday's contest vs. Winnipeg marks the final game before the wrecking ball comes in to make way for the new Pan American Games stadium.
A fan waves a flag as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats run onto the field to begin a game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' mascot 'T.C.' cheers during a game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
The afternoon sun sets as fans arrive at Ivor Wynne Stadium before Canadian Football League action between the B.C. Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in Hamilton, Ontario., on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press
In this file photo the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Sasktachewan Roughriders at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario on December 3, 1972 in the 60th playing of the Grey Cup. Fan David Cohen is cheering for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Hamilton defeated Saskatchewan 13-10 to capture the Grey Cup.Barrie Davis/The Globe and Mail
The afternoon sun sets as fans arrive at Ivor Wynne Stadium before Canadian Football League action between the B.C. Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in Hamilton, Ontario., on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press
A note written on a fence at Ivor Wynne Stadium is seen as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
In this file photo the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Sasktachewan Roughriders at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario on December 3, 1972 in the 60th playing of the Grey Cup. Fans in the stands hold poster which says, "Lethbridge Says Oskee-wee-wee". This latter phrase is the chant Hamilton fans use to support their team. Hamilton defeated Saskatchewan 13-10 to capture the Grey Cup.John Wood/The Globe and Mail
The sun sets over Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario, as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canadian Football League action June 29, 2012. The Roughriders defeated the Tiger-Cats 43-16.Geoff Robins/The Canadian Press
In this file photo the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in game action against the Sasktachewan Roughriders at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario on December 3, 1972. Ticats' John Williams (23) blocks Bob Pearce's punt. Play started first touchdown. Hamilton defeated Saskatchewan 13-10 to capture the Grey Cup.James Fish/The Globe and Mail
Fans purchase Tiger-Cats merchandise at Ivor Wynne Stadium during a game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
From left, James McCormick, Marty Hanc and Chris Bisci share a laugh during a tailgate party before a game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood for/The Globe and Mail
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Luca Congi kicks off his team's first game of their last season at the Ivor Wynne Stadium as they take on Toronto Argonauts in CFL pre-season action in Hamilton on Wednesday June 13 , 2013. The stadium will close at the end of the season to be renovated ahead of the Pan-Am games.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
A Hamilton Tiger Cats fan cheers on his team against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL action for the final regular season game at their Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday October 27 , 2012.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Ivor Wynne Stadium is seen in this January 12, 2011 file photo.Glenn Lowson/The Globe and Mail
Ivor Wynne Stadium is seen in this January 12, 2011 file photo.Glenn Lowson/The Globe and Mail
With the Hamilton Tiger Cats about to play their final regular season game to be played Saturday at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton several former Tiger Cat players are in town for the game. Alumni including (L-R) defensive lineman Joe Montford 1996-2001, Grover Covington, defensive end 1981-91, Garny Henley a two way player from 1960-75 playing both as a receiver and defensive back and receiver Earl Winfield 1997-97, share war stories on the field at Ivor Wynne on October 26, 2012.Glenn Lowson/The Globe and Mail
Hamilton Tiger Cats fans wait for the gates to open for their final regular season home game against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Hamilton on Saturday October 27 , 2012.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
A member of staff walks through the empty stand as Hamilton Tiger Cats fans wait for the gates to open for their final regular season home game against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Hamilton on Saturday October 27 , 2012.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Fans cheers as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
Fans cheers as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
Hamilton Tiger Cats Chris Williams scores a touchdown against Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in front of the north section stand, during first half CFL action in Hamilton on Saturday October 27 , 2012.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Dan Black, aka Pigskin Pete whips up the home Hamilton Tiger Cats fans before their game against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL action for the final regular season game at their Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday October 27, 2012. The stadium is due for demolition to make way for a new arena.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
A fan holds up as sign during last regular season game at the Ivor Wynne Stadium as Hamilton Tiger Cats beat Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-18 in CFL action, in Hamilton on Saturday October 27 , 2012. The existing football is due for demolition to make way for a new stadium.Chris Youn/The Canadian Press
The afternoon sun sets behind Ivor Wynne Stadium before Canadian Football League action between the B.C. Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in Hamilton, Ontario., on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood for/The Globe and Mail
Angelo Messina, left, and David Cicci, right, kiss Franco Fortino's cheeks during a tailgate party before a game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, ON, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. This may be the final CFL game played in the stadium.Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail
With the Hamilton Tiger Cats about to play their final regular season game to be played Saturday at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton several former Tiger Cat players are in town for the game. Alumni including (L-R) defensive lineman Joe Montford 1996-2001, Grover Covington, defensive end 1981-91, Garny Henley a two way player from 1960-75 playing both as a receiver and defensive back and receiver Earl Winfield 1997-97, share war stories on the field at Ivor Wynne on October 26, 2012.Glenn Lowson/The Globe and Mail