Ottawa REDBLACKS fans! Northside or Southside?

Google “North vs South football rivalry,” and it turns out it’s not just a thing for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, which celebrates a decade as a club in 2024.   

North Carolina and South Carolina have one of the most heated rivalries in American college football. In New Zealand, where rugby is the only code in town, a North-South competition at the All Blacks' home trials began in 1897 when teams from the country’s two main islands battled it out.   

And in Ottawa? The northside-southside rivalry was less about geography than which side of the stadium you call home.   

The story behind the rivalry

Back when the CFL franchise was the Ottawa Rough Riders, the northside grandstand was considered top-notch: it had a roof, better catering, and a generally quieter crowd. The halftime show faced the Northside, as did the anthem singing. On the other hand, the Southside was open to the weather, and the crowds were noisy, passionate, and frustrated.   

And so, in 1980, a couple of fans started the Southsiders. Over time, it morphed from a few rowdy fans to an informal fan club with a chant (“Northside sucks”), merch, pregame media interviews and even a CFL mini-documentary.   

By 2014, the rundown Southside stands were replaced by a grand new vision for TD Place Stadium, complete with corporate suites, bar service… and a brand-new team. The Ottawa REDBLACKS played their first home game at TD Place Stadium on July 18, 2014.   

And the Northside stand today? It’s slated for redevelopment in a $330-million project that includes a new home for the Ottawa 67s and the Blackjacks basketball team, as well as condos and retail space.  

Whatever the motivation, the rivalry made games more fun, which is why CAA is partnering with the Ottawa REDBLACKS to celebrate fans wherever they sit.