The RedBlacks are set to play their first home game tonight, July 18th, at the recently unveiled TD Place stadium in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood. Football fans will have their chance not only to enjoy the sold-out game in a full stadium of cheering fans, but the opportunity to appreciate all the hard work and preparation that has gone into rebuilding TD Place at Lansdowne (formerly Frank Clair Stadium).
Stadium Redevelopment a Hot Topic in Ottawa
The redevelopment of the Lansdowne site has been a hot topic in Ottawa, with a mixed reaction from nearby residents. Many agree, however, that the revitalization project will have an overall positive impact on the Glebe and surrounding areas like Old Ottawa South, Dow’s Lake, Centretown, Old Ottawa East, and the Golden Triangle. In addition to the stadium, plans for Lansdowne include a retail shopping complex, new condominiums and townhomes, and an urban park alongside the Rideau Canal.
For Ottawans, the excitement about the upcoming RedBlacks season can be felt across the city! Last week, TD Place hosted an open house at Lansdowne to allow season ticket-holders the chance to tour the new stadium, enjoy food and drinks from the on-site vendors, and check out the stadium seats. After an enthusiastic opening introduction to RedBlacks and Ottawa Fury players, including a stadium-opening kick-off, fans had the chance to walk down to the field and meet the players, pose for photographs, and get a few autographs.
The energy at the TD Place Open House was a sign of the highly-anticipated season that’s about to follow. Event-goers proudly sported new RedBlacks jerseys and other official merchandise, posed with cheerleaders and mascots, and filled the stadium with sounds of applause and cheering. Ottawa mayor Jim Watson was on site as well, taking photos, meeting with fans and players, and tweeting about the event on his Twitter account.
Transportation to the Glebe from Around Ottawa
With the volume of traffic expected to be particularly high for events at Lansdowne, including RedBlacks home games, OC Transpo, STO, and the City of Ottawa have collaborated to develop a transportation plan. Your transit ticket is free with the purchase of your event ticket, whether you opt to use OC Transpo, STO, or the Park and Shuttle bus service offered from Carleton University, Canada Post, the RA Centre, and Vincent Massey Park. Fans are also encouraged to walk or cycle whenever possible, and the stadium’s convenient location near several of downtown Ottawa’s best walking districts help make getting to Lansdowne even easier.
Make sure you visit the Ottawa RedBlacks website for details on how to purchase tickets and get to Lansdowne, and find out more about the team. If you’d like information on the continuing development at Lansdowne in the Glebe, or other upcoming Ottawa events, give Chris a call or send him an e-mail. For those thinking of buying or selling a home in this sought-after Ottawa neighbourhood, contact the Ottawa Move Team to find out the value of your current home or begin the search for your dream home!