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October 6, 2017

Stamps super fan checking off bucket list

(Photo by Jenn Pierce/www.jenn-pierce.com)

Ottawa? Check.

Vancouver? Check.

Edmonton? Winnipeg? Saskatchewan? Toronto? BC? Check.

There aren’t many cities missing from Cheryl Neufeld’s CFL Bucket List.

“The most amazing experience I’ve ever had is the opportunity to fly with the [Stampeders],” said super fan and long-time season-ticket holder Neufeld. “I’ve gone away with the team to the away games a little more than half a dozen times now. I have a goal to go to a game in every CFL city in Canada. I’ve been to Ottawa a couple times, I’ve been to Vancouver — the only two I haven’t been to is Montreal and Hamilton, everything else is already check marked.”

“It’s a neat bucket list item. If you’re passionate about your team and your guys and your people in the organization, than this just amps up the overall experience. It’s so unique.”

While she wasn’t able to swing a trip to Montreal with the Stamps on July 14, she’s already thinking about making a trip to see her beloved Red and White take on the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton.

“There is [a trip] in October. I know when it is,” she said adamantly. “I’ve got that one circled.”

Fans have the opportunity each season to join the Stamps on the road by buying packages that include transportation to the charter terminal, chartered flight with the team to and from the game, a room for the night, a jersey, dinner with a few of the coaches, player meet and greet, pre-game sideline passes and tickets to the game.

Whether home or away, every Stamps game is a special occasion for Neufeld.

She starts by getting all geared up — not unlike the players — first by putting on a jersey or other Stamps gear, followed by a vast amount of glittery accompaniments.

But most importantly in that process, she makes sure her hair is perfect.

“Well I get my hair done for every game,” joked Neufeld of her red and white wig.

“I’ve got some pretty great, sparkly football jewelry on and I like to get dolled up when I go out to special events, so I guess it’s my signature uniform for every game.”

Then Neufeld and any combination of family and friends drive from their home in Coaldale, Alberta — a solid two-hour drive — to join their Stamps family at McMahon Stadium.

One of the things she enjoys most is introducing the Stampeders and CFL football to different people and helping create more and more fans.

“Well, I guess it must be getting close to 14 years now,” Neufeld said of her season-ticket pedigree. “I drive up to almost every game and I drive home after. I’ve been really fortunate to be able to bring so many people to football games and have their first experience with the CFL and the Stamps and I’m proud to do it.”

And while Neufeld has become obsessed with the game itself, the biggest thing for her is the people.

From the players, to the fans next to her during the game, and even to the folks who work in the organization.

“Our seats are in a great neighbourhood,” said Neufeld. “We have great neighbours and I just love watching the game. I come with my son and daughter in-law lots and my grandchild.”

“I’m just crazy about the team, I love the organization and it’s an incredible blast to come up here and support the Stampeders. It’s awesome to meet our players, it’s outstanding. And the management, I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of people who work for the organization and they’re just spectacular people.”