Millions of enthusiastic, English football fans were glued to their televisions on Sunday, including hundreds in the Okotoks area.
The UEFA European Championship Final took place that day with Spain meeting England in the penultimate match. For England supporters, they hoped to witness their nation's first Euro title ever and first international championship since the 1966 FIFA Men's World Cup.
Sadly, it wasn't meant to be, as fans saw those dreams crushed in the 86th minute. Spain broke a 1-1 draw to lead 2-1 and eventually win its first European title since 2012.
Several bars in Okotoks were packed to the walls including The George Traditional House, where over 20 reservations were booked for the big game by Friday afternoon.
All eyes were on the television screens spread throughout the traditional English pub with the game commentary blaring loudly throughout the building.
After a scoreless first half, Spain drew first blood in the 47th minute with Nico Williams getting the first goal of the game. It stayed that way until the 73rd minute when England's Cole Palmer rifled a shot to level the game at one apiece.
The second that goal was scored, the crowd inside The George erupted in a loud cheer, so much so that the little England supporters couldn't help but plug their ears.
After that goal was scored, England fans young and old, could only wish and hope that their team would get the next one. Despite a number of strong chances, Spain shut the door and eventually ran full speed near the end of the match. Mikel Oyarzabal would take a centre pass that was just onside and past the English keeper for what proved to be the game-winner in the 86th minute.
When the final whistle blew, what was once a raucous crowd, was reduced to silence as they saw the result they hoped they wouldn't.
After the match, some of the English faithful couldn't keep their heartache in.
"It's disappointing," said one man who is originally from Manchester. "We've reached two finals, we lost them both. It's really heartbreaking."
"I'm devastated, I honestly thought we were going to beat them," said another fan from the Kent area who was watching the game with her family.
"At least we didn't lose on penalties this time," laughed another fan, referencing the 2020 Euro final when Italy beat England in penalties.
Although they couldn't see their home country win it all, those who watched the game said the atmosphere in the pub was outstanding.
"It's always loud in here when England scores", said one fan. "Not quite as good as back home but pretty good," added another.
Other watch parties took place at establishments like the Canadian Brewhouse and Kildare's Ale House in south Calgary, with hundreds packing those chairs as well.
England football loyalists are hoping they can write another chapter in their long history as the next FIFA Men's World Cup will be played in Canada, U.S. and Mexico in the summer of 2026.