Jamie Nye: Thank you for being home, Taylor Field

The reason you’re likely even reading this commentary has a lot to do with Taylor Field.
 
It’s where I fell in love with this quirky CFL game. Three downs, rouges and kick outs. My passion for sport goes to a growing passion for the Roughriders and watching their games. And being part of what was definitely an experience.
 
I was a season ticket holder watching Warren Jones, Kevin Mason, Steve Sarkisan and the ’90s Riders, though it was Suitor, Narco, Jurasin who were my heroes. My best friend and I sat on the east side and would go home and toss the football around, pretending to be Austin and Fairholm.
 
I didn’t think I’d feel much nostalgia for this old piece of cement, with it’s leaks and flaws. But as I stood on the field again looking around at all the places I used to sit, I realized again that I’m living my dream. Being able to share stories of peoples favourite team. Argue, discuss, laugh, like you do with friends and family in the stands.
 
If you asked me the top five places of influence in my youth — the house I grew up in, my neighbours home, my grandparents farm, the Lumsden ball diamonds — and Taylor Field.
 
I hold on to memories of all those places quite tightly.
 
And thankfully the memories don’t disappear when you say goodbye.