FANS SELECT BLUE BOMBER GREATS FOR MAIN GATES
Rare opportunity for fans to meet all four Hall of Famers on June 6, 2013
The fans have spoken and have chosen their favourite Blue Bomber living legends to grace the four main gates at Investors Group Field. After a steep online competition, they include Milt Stegall, Ken Ploen, Doug Brown, and Joe Poplawski.
“All four are true ambassadors and well deserve this honour,” said Garth Buchko, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club. “To this day, they continue to bleed Blue and Gold which is why they remain so beloved by our fans.”
After narrowing the choices to 40 names, fans logged on to www.bluebombers.com and voted for who they thought should adorn the massive signs at each of the four main gates.
“Not only will these iconic gates take on lives of their own as popular meeting places,” said Buchko, “but they will also be constant reminders of our rich past and the heritage that drives us forward.”
Milt Stegall (Gate 1, sponsored by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries) was an all-star receiver for the Blue Bombers from 1995-2008 and held several major CFL records upon his retirement including most career receiving yards. He currently holds the records for career receiving touchdowns and most touchdowns scored.
Ken Ploen (Gate 2, sponsored by CJOB 680) led the Blue Bombers to six Grey Cup appearances as quarterback, including four victories. In the 49th Grey Cup in 1961, Ploen scored one of the most memorable touchdowns in professional football history, eluding numerous defenders on an 18-yard run into the end zone during overtime to win.
Doug Brown (Gate 3, sponsored by Budweiser) was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in his first year in the league in 2001 and finished his career ranked second on the team’s all-time tackles list with 429 and his 52 sacks is third-best in team history.
Joe Poplawski (Gate 4, sponsored by Advance) was a five-time All-Star who helped the Blue Bombers capture the 72nd Grey Cup in 1984 by hauling in five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in the championship game. At the age of 29, he ended his career with 8,341 receiving yards on 549 receptions and 48 touchdowns.
Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans are invited to ‘Come Meet the Greats’ at the unveiling of the gates:
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 2013
TIME: 12:00 noon for the unveiling
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for the Meet & Greet
PLACE: The Bomber Store, Investors Group Field
To celebrate the occasion, special edition merchandise, signed by all four legends, will be available to purchase during the in-store Meet & Greet.
Investors Group Field will also feature Blue Bomber alumni on eight smaller gates and 16 directional signs. These will be unveiled on opening day.
