Major league feel

Investors Group Field brings major league feeling for Fearless

As women’s football continues to reach new heights in Western Canada, a key aspect in its evolution is defined by its venues. A gradual yet important shift from high school fields to stadiums brings with it a feeling of acceptance and importance.

In the city of Winnipeg, celebrating its 140 birthday, the Manitoba Fearless became recipients of a remarkable privilege. As the city experiences a renaissance with the return of the beloved Jets hockey club, the soon-to-be-opened Canadian Human Rights Museum, the Fearless are among its football teams that get to grace the gridiron of Investors Group Field (IGF), home for the 2015 Grey Cup.

Tannis Wilson, the Fearless general manager and one of the most influential people in Canadian women’s football recognizes the impact that IGF has had on her franchise. From providing a major league feel for all Western Women’s Canadian Football League players that compete on its field, there is also the feeling of relevance in the Winnipeg sporting community. The first season at IGF has proven to be a point of pride for all involved with the Fearless.

“What does it mean for us be able to play in the newest and most outstanding stadium in Canada? Wow, how do you answer that question? It is an amazing facility and each team the comes into play against us goes out on the field and has that wow moment.

We have played at other stadiums in Canada but it is hard to explain the overpowering feeling that you get in the Investors Group Field stadium. It is quite an amazing building. We sure had that overwhelming moment when we first went in but for us now it is just home. What an amazing home,” remarked Wilson.

Having opened in 2013, IGF is actually located on the campus of the University of Manitoba. Located at the intersection of Chancellor Matheson Drive and University Crescent, the facility has a corrugated metal roof which covers part of the field (after plans for an inflatable dome were shelved), seating capacity of 33,422, along with 52 suites and a restaurant. In reflecting on the opportunity to call such a modern and exciting facility home, Wilson recounts how surprise was its defining feature.

“It was surprising and awesome. I was having a conversation with Wade Miller regarding a coaching clinic and the conversation turned to the Fearless, he asked where we played. We were not happy at our old field and he graciously offered us IGF. Do not get me wrong, it is not free (laughs). However, we found it to be affordable and really, where else would you play if you could play at IGF.”

Helping usher in a new golden age for football in Winnipeg, Wade Miller is more than just a football executive, but a former Blue Bombers player as well. The co-founder and CEO of Pinnacle, a recruiting firm in Manitoba, his approach to teamwork as a player has translated into a strong business acumen.

With the desire to implement positive change in his community, the Globe and Mail recognized him in 2007 as a prairie finalist for Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. Such understanding of teamwork and the bonds that are formed between teammates makes Miller the right person to spearhead such an era. A 2011 inductee in the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame in 2011, he was also a two-time recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award. Even in his post-playing career, Miller has not forgotten the good guy spirit, supporting local charities and hosting a free football clinic for 250 Manitoba coaches. Wilson speaks on the

“I went to university with Wade and have known him for a long time. Yet, it is always nice to deal with people in the football community that understand the needs requirements of amateur football and are willing to the time and effort into helping them. Wade becoming the CEO of the Bombers has been a great for both the Bombers and amateur football in Manitoba. He has played through the ranks of amateur Football Manitoba and knows that it all starts there. The Manitoba Fearless are fortunate enough to be part of the group that he has been working with.”

While the opportunity for the Fearless to play their regular season games at IGF is not a gratuity, the Fearless have shown their appreciation by supplying their services at Blue Bombers home games. From concessions to an exciting park-and-ride opportunity for this upcoming Blue Bombers season, the women who proudly don the Fearless jerseys are engaging in an exciting aspect of football in Winnipeg.

“We have a concession stand run solely by the Fearless during Bombers games and other major events in the stadium, the Bombers asked us to do it last year and we’re very willing and happy to be able to help out. Not all the girls work the concession as there are only 15 required per game. The park-and-ride is a new opportunity this year will be starting next week. We hope to get the majority the girls out there as we can rotate them through quite easily as there is no trading involved and it all takes place prior to the games so no one will miss any Bomber action.”

In an era when many female athletes are struggling for equality, the Blue Bombers have helped set a positive example. In a city like Winnipeg, the dedication and support of its athletes is a strong aspect of civic pride, unifying people of all ages and backgrounds. As the Fearless continue to grow, so too shall its fan base. Housed in an exciting and dynamic facility, it represents a defining moment in franchise history.

“To be able to call this facility our home, when it is also the home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Winnipeg Rifles really makes us feel like we are a part of the upper echelon of Football in Manitoba. Big footsteps to follow for sure, but we are getting there.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”