Air force chopper brings the Grey Cup to Hamilton ahead of CFL final

Jeff Kawamoto saidTuesday felt like 1972.

That was the last time the Hamilton Tiger-Cats played for the Canadian Football League's(CFL)Grey Cup at home.

"I know it's been battered and broken and fixed, andI think it's beautiful," the 60-year-old said.

Forty-nine years later, he stood among a crowd of at least 100andmarvelled as twoRoyal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-146Griffonhelicopters descended upon a snowy Bayfront Park and delivered the CFL's prized possession ahead of thechampionship game Sunday.

Hamilton isn't isn't justhosting the big gamethe Tiger-Cats will also play in front of thehome crowd at Tim Hortons Field. They'llfacethe Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who beat them in 2019. It's the last year the Grey Cup happened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two RCAF members, wearing blackhelmets,carried the shinysilver trophy to a podium for all to see.

CFLcommissioner Randy Ambrosie said getting the Cup to Hamilton, after being unable to hold a championship game last year amid the pandemic, was a testament to everyone's resilience.

"It may be almost perfectly fitting to be in Hamilton for this Grey Cup, for all this city stands for," he said.

"There'sa little rumour out there we may be back for 2023."

He commended the work ofTicatscaretaker Bob Young and the rest of the staff for building the team into a championship contender.

He also said kind words about late Ticats legend Angelo Mosca.

"Who you're seeing today is 12-year-old Bob Young," he said, literally jumping with joy while standing next to the cup.

"How much better does it get for a community, for a league, for our players than to play at home in the Grey Cup?"

Haudenosauneeleader Leroy Hill,Mayor Fred Eisenbergerand former TicatAndy Fantuzalso addressed the crowd, expressing excitement about the Grey Cup game.

Lauren Johnson, 15, said she'll be at the final with her younger sister Lexis and their mother Chantal.

"It's amazing to see the whole community come together for something," Laurensaid.

She said she andher sister and mother are all watching for one thing on Sunday:"A Ticat victory."