Published Sep 07, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 10\u00a0minutes ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n That clock radio on the floor beside my sleeping bag was a liar, claiming it was 6:30 a.m. and that I\u2019d only been asleep for four hours.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Les Hayes, my buddy, was already up, a shadowy figure in his Manhattan Beach living room.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Recommended Videos<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Already showered and in one of his 118 pairs of summer shorts, he was ready \u2026 and focused.<\/p>\n \u201cBreakfast,\u201d he said in his Veit Nam-Marine-turned-wheelchair-basketball-coach tone.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go. Get a table before they are all gone.\u201d<\/p>\n We were off to The Castle, a joint on North Sepulveda Boulevard, for the most important meal of the day: steak and eggs.<\/p>\n But really, it was just the appetizer before the main event \u2014 getting our NFL bets in before the games started.<\/p>\n Back at his place, Les had set up a command centre: eight portable TVs, each one tuned to a different game, all vying for our attention. Our day was a 12-hour, beer-fuelled blur of touchdowns and questionable referee calls.<\/p>\n Edmonton Sun Headline News<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n We were, to put it mildly, dialed in.<\/p>\n Ready to give not just a few hours, but the entire day, to the sport we love and, when the time finally came, cheering on our favourite team.<\/p>\n Just like Saturday for your Edmonton Elks.<\/p>\n The buzz was palpable at the Expo Centre\u2019s Labour Day Rematch Brunch.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t just another pre-game event; it was a reunion of the Green and Gold faithful, a kickoff to the day\u2019s festivities.<\/p>\n The Spirit of Edmonton crew had set up their legendary traveling road show, filling the hall with a unique blend of camaraderie and anticipation that only they can bring.<\/p>\n Mark Scholz\u2019s voice boomed over the crowd as the MC, a familiar voice who introduced Elks alumni, who were well represented.<\/p>\n Gizmo Williams was there, still radiating that infectious energy, and Eddie Steele, a testament to the team\u2019s history who shared a hot-stove discussion with former Calgary Stampeder Jon Hornish.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Elks CEO and president Chris Morris and his counterpart Jay McNeil from the Stampeders chatted with the crowds.<\/p>\n The Elks cheer team added a splash of vibrancy, their smiles as bright as their uniforms.<\/p>\n And then, there was the Sluice Juice. A mysterious, almost magical concoction of orange juice and who-knows-what, it was as essential to the fan experience as a Chris Jones defensive stand.<\/p>\n After soaking it all in, the crowd didn\u2019t have to worry about getting to the game. Elks fans piled onto shuttles for the quick 2.5-kilometre ride to Commonwealth Stadium.<\/p>\n The journey was short but the excitement was sky-high. And just like that, the party had moved, ready to continue with the tailgate \u2014 because a day of Elks football is never just about the game; it\u2019s about the entire experience.<\/p>\n When 5 p.m. rolled in, the main event kicked off between the Elks and the Calgary Stampeders.<\/p>\n The day was already a major success: bringing people together, talking football \u2014 Elks football \u2014 and, perhaps most importantly, raised money for mature football.<\/p>\n So: is it possible to have such an event \u2026 before every game? Home and away?<\/p>\n Just not at 6:30 a.m.<\/p>\n![\"elks\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cp174962263_298519431.jpg\")
Edmonton Elks fullback Tanner Green tackles Calgary Stampeders running back Ludovick Choquette during first-half CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium Saturday.\u2002 Photo by JASON FRANSON \/THE CANADIAN PRESSArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Edmonton](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/19.4.3\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-esun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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