Thousands flock to downtown Halifax for historic weekend

A rainy weekend in Halifax hardly stopped thousands from enjoying the city.

It started with a much-anticipated debut game by the Halifax Tides FC.

It marked the first time in history professional women’s soccer hit the pitch at the Wanderers Grounds, sending about 6,500 people to the stadium Saturday night.

Halifax lost the game against Calgary Wild FC 4-1, but attendees say they were happy at the chance to witness history.

“I’m excited for the girls that I teach to be able to see these women doing professional sports and aspiring to that,” said first-grade teacher Francesca Cacchione.

One Halifax man who attended the game also reflected on its significance.

“I think it’s huge for the city of Halifax but even across Canada, I have a niece who plays soccer so it’s nice that she now can grow up watching a women’s sports team, like I grew up watching a men’s sports team,” he said.

Meanwhile, restaurants like Midtown Tavern and Lounge prepared for large crowds as another game got set to kick off at Scotiabank Centre.

“We’ll fill in by 4:30, 5 p.m., and then after the game we’ll turn into Boomers nightclub. We’ll get the fans coming in especially after a big win and they’ll continue the party,” said Colin Grant, the owner of Midtown Tavern and Lounge.

More than 10,000 fans erupted with joy as the Halifax Thunderbirds secured a 16-12 victory over the Calgary Roughnecks in the first-ever NLL playoff game held at Scotiabank Centre.

“The atmosphere and the drive that the Thunderbirds had is absolutely excellent,” said one Halifax man after the game.

The Thunderbirds now move onto the semi-finals, where they will take on the Saskatchewan Rush in a best-of-three series.

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