Argos at BMO Field

[rdavies]

The first phase of construction, which will include seat expansion, concourse work and the creation of suites and club seats, will end next May (2015). The second phase (roof) will run from Sept. 1, 2015 to May of 2016 (will not affect TFC nor should it Argos)

[T-Bone]

The first phase of construction, which will include seat expansion, concourse work and the creation of suites and club seats, will end next May (2015). The second phase (roof) will run from Sept. 1, 2015 to May of 2016 (will not affect TFC nor should it Argos)

At the Exhibition meeting Leiweke mentioned there maybe some disruption for TFC, the season runs March to October. What surprises me about the Argos coming in 2015 is the crossover with the Pan Am games.

[rdavies]

Yes, TFC will spend two additional games on the road to start the season in 2015. As for the Pan Am Games, it seems to have disappeared from the discussion. Much of the talk of expediting the stadium deal was to have it ready to host some Pan Am rugby sevens games, don't know what has happened there.

FINAL DRAFT FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
March 10, 2014
Proposal for Expansion of Stadium at Exhibition Place

MLSE acknowledges the City’s desire for completion of Phase 1 of the Stadium Improvements to be achieved by May 1, 2015 so as to ensure the availability of the Stadium for the Pan Am Games.

In addition, the City agrees to cooperate and assist MLSE in achieving the contractor mobilization date of July 1, 2014 in respect to the Phase 1 Seat Expansion and Additional Work and the completion of that work by May 1, 2015 for the 2015 TFC Season and for the commencement of non-exclusive use of the Stadium by TO2015 for its overlay activities in order to deliver exclusive use of the Stadium to TO2015 for the Pan Am Parapan Games during the period July 7 to July 14, 2015 and in particular, assist MLSE with expediting any permits and approvals as may be required by the City to undertake and complete the Stadium Improvements

[Mulder]

At the Exhibition meeting Leiweke mentioned there maybe some disruption for TFC, the season runs March to October. What surprises me about the Argos coming in 2015 is the crossover with the Pan Am games.

The only event being played at BMO field is the Rugby Sevens. Which at the 2011 Pan Am Games it was only a 2 day event. It is scheduled to be the same in 2015. (A Monday and Tuesday) There is no cross-over with the Argo's at BMO in 2015.

If they stayed at the Rogers Centre, I worked out that they would likely have to be away from the dome for 5 or 6 weeks, Unless they played in their one Tuesday opening.

[T-Bone]

The only event being played at BMO field is the Rugby Sevens. Which at the 2011 Pan Am Games it was only a 2 day event. It is scheduled to be the same in 2015. (A Monday and Tuesday) There is no cross-over with the Argo's at BMO in 2015.

If they stayed at the Rogers Centre, I worked out that they would likely have to be away from the dome for 5 or 6 weeks, Unless they played in their one Tuesday opening.

I wasn't aware it is such a short event. To be honest I don't know much about the Pan Am Games. I'll probably be attending the Women's World Cup instead.

[rdavies]

I'll probably be attending the Women's World Cup instead.

Heading to Ottawa?

[T-Bone]

Heading to Ottawa?

That's the plan.

[rdavies]

It's Group B, I wonder who will be in it.

I've become a big fan of women's sports, especially hockey and soccer. There's still a purity to it.

I just can't get into the over paid prima donna professional male athletes any more. The CFL is my last vestige of male sports, an everyman league, guys holding a second job. That still holds an appeal to me, because the big "players" (pardon the expression) and their air of entitlement have turned me off.

[flafson]

Any idea what kind of roof they are talking about? What's the chance for a roof like in BC Place? I don't see myself coming to games on cold days to be honest.

[ArgoZ]

Any idea what kind of roof they are talking about? What's the chance for a roof like in BC Place? I don't see myself coming to games on cold days to be honest.

It will just cover. I can deal with some cold, it's the rain and getting wet that really makes me a fair weather fan. There really is not many cold CFL games in Ontario anymore aside from the odd playoff game.

[flafson]

Playoff games are freezing and there is no real parking near BMO field...

[rdavies]

Any idea what kind of roof they are talking about?

[paulwoods13]

If someone doesn't want to go because the new facility is not comfortable enough for them, that's their prerogative. But . . .

Playoff games are freezing

Not necessarily true. It is often above freezing in November.

and there is no real parking near BMO field...

Not true.

[T-Bone]

Executive committee approves BMO expansion plan

Mayor Ford just voted against the proposed BMO Field expansion. He praised the proposal effusively two weeks ago. http://t.co/PkxV6RX6Vr

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 19, 2014

Well back in 2006 Rob Ford did say "This is a sucker stadium, not a soccer stadium. We are going to lose our shirts."

[BATKINSON001]

Executive committee approves BMO expansion plan

Mayor Ford just voted against the proposed BMO Field expansion. He praised the proposal effusively two weeks ago. http://t.co/PkxV6RX6Vr

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 19, 2014

Well back in 2006 Rob Ford did say "This is a sucker stadium, not a soccer stadium. We are going to lose our shirts."

Mayor ford is the sucker. For media punishment. He probably only voted against t because it would require the city to put up their end of the deal

[Treblecharger1]

He is playing both sides....

He knows this will pass. but he also knows that he has to stick to his word in terms of spending tax payers money.

[AngeloV]

He is playing both sides....

He knows this will pass. but he also knows that he has to Give the illusion of sticking to his word in terms of spending tax payers money.

Fixed........

[argolio]

Dead mayor walking.

[rdavies]

Tim Lieweke announces on TSN Friday (at 7:35) that the Argo endzones at BMO will be artificial turf.

[paulwoods13]

Tim Lieweke announces on TSN Friday (at 7:35) that the Argo endzones at BMO will be artificial turf.

No surprise there, considering they are going to put moveable seats in the end zones for soccer. It's not ideal to have two types of playing surface (turf in EZ and grass-turf hybrid between the goal-lines, but it will still be better than the playing surface Argos have had for most of the past 38 years.