City Hall going to the ‘Dogs Friday night

The Hamilton City Hall forecourt will transform into a “Dog Pound” to support and celebrate the Hamilton Bulldogs over the coming days.

The OHL champions are currently battling for supremacy in the Memorial Cup in Regina, Sask., with a semifinal battle looming Friday night at 10 p.m. against the tournament host Regina Pats.

Fans are invited to a viewing party starting at 9 p.m. at the City hall forecourt — better known as the home of the new HAMILTON sign — to watch the game, listen to music and chow down on food truck fare.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger announced the plan Wednesday night and urged fans to show up at the newly minted “Dog Pound” to support the team in its “quest for the cup.”

If the Bulldogs win Friday, the Dog Pound will be reopened again Sunday for fans to watch the Memorial Cup final at 7 p.m.

Team spokesperson Peggy Chapman said the Bulldogs were “really excited” to hear from the mayor about the prospect of a local cheering squad.

First-floor City Hall washrooms will be open during the viewing party — but if fans want a seat, they should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Win or lose, the Bulldogs will be welcomed home with an event at City Hall on Tuesday at noon.

Plans are in the works to try to have some players, coaches and team management on hand for the event, which will also feature a banner unveiling and “presentation of tokens of appreciation” to the Bulldogs.