Argos at BMO Field

[Argo]

I don't have time to scroll through posts in this thread, so I'll simply post this link. Hopefully, it hasn't already appeared here.

http://www.canada.com/sports/Scott+S...?__federated=1

[rdavies]

^Mark Grimes apparently is a friend of the Argos

"Toronto councillor Mark Grimes was at Tuesday’s announcement and he prefaced his remarks by saying he thought he was going to be announcing a new home for the Argos, but that Tim Leiweke, the outgoing MLSE president, told him to “put that speech away.”

Grimes tried a different version of the same joke with MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum, telling him that he really hoped phase two of the BMO expansion would become a joint phase two-three. But there was still work to do on that, he said, turning to Tanenbaum on stage: “Right, Larry?”

Tanenbaum, with a tight smile and presumably unable to find a trap door he could pull, offered a tepid agreement.

[ArgoRavi]

I am guessing that it would take many millions of dollars - more than $20 million - to try to turn that York stadium into something resembling a suitable home for the Argos.

[T-Bone]

I am guessing that it would take many millions of dollars - more than $20 million - to try to turn that York stadium into something resembling a suitable home for the Argos.

The biggest issue in my opinion would be the sight lines because of the track. Unfortunately neither the York Stadium or BMO Field were designed for football and both would be accommodating, so which one can accommodate it better is the question?

[Stouffvillain]

BMO would be. Fans would be closer to the field (without a track around the field) and that is always better.

[Neely2005]

The biggest issue in my opinion would be the sight lines because of the track. Unfortunately neither the York Stadium or BMO Field were designed for football and both would be accommodating, so which one can accommodate it better is the question?

Thanks for the Link.

It's a tough question because with the TTC Subway stop at York University and Highway 400 close by I think that York is the better location but I think that the Renovated BMO Field would be the better venue.

[gilthethrill]

My fear with the Argos moving to BMO would be, once again, the schedule. With MLS Soccer, other Soccer tournaments, Rugby tounaments being played there, where would the Argos fit in? I could see them going on month long road trips similar to what happens now as a tenant at RC. I just don't see this team getting high ranking when it comes to dates. I do realize however, that BMO is the only sensable solution to the Argos stadium woes.

[T-Bone]

My fear with the Argos moving to BMO would be, once again, the schedule. With MLS Soccer, other Soccer tournaments, Rugby tounaments being played there, where would the Argos fit in? I could see them going on month long road trips similar to what happens now as a tenant at RC. I just don't see this team getting high ranking when it comes to dates. I do realize however, that BMO is the only sensable solution to the Argos stadium woes.

Your looking at about 25 dates at BMO Field to work around vs. 81 at Rogers Centre.

[argotom]

My fear with the Argos moving to BMO would be, once again, the schedule. With MLS Soccer, other Soccer tournaments, Rugby tounaments being played there, where would the Argos fit in? I could see them going on month long road trips similar to what happens now as a tenant at RC. I just don't see this team getting high ranking when it comes to dates. I do realize however, that BMO is the only sensable solution to the Argos stadium woes.

Agreed.
Unless the team is purchased by MLSE, the Argos would again play second fiddle to an inferior team and league.
Meaning, the concessions and likely other in stadium revenues would evaporate as well.
That's why there has to be a plan B, might as well look at York to see how much it may cost to retrofit.
Since it is a University it would be easier to access hopefully grants through various levels.
I know more taxpayer dollars here!

[Invader]

If the Argos/CFL are willing to contribute $20 million towards their stadium, the sharks at MLSE is the last place I'd give it to. That'd be like paying ransom money to ISIS so they won't behead an foreign aid worker. Don't reward your enemies.

$20M would be a nice down payment on the Argos own stadium, with the province or city guaranteeing a loan for the remaining amount, which would be paid back through a seat fees. Rider fans, for example, pay a $12 seat fee (they are contributing $40M towards their new stadium). If the Argos averaged 20,000 fans, a seat fee of that amount is $2.4M per season X 30 years = $72M in revenue to pay back the loan.

This is not revolutionary. The Bombers are paying back $90M over 40 years towards their city-backed stadium loan (SnowRouque please correct me.)

It might be possible to team up with a GTA community who would provide the land and infrastructure (similar to the proposed Mississauga football stadium). The Argos don't have to build a palace all at once. They could build the stadium in stages (a 12,500-seat grandstand on one side with a temporary grandstand on the other side, for example.)

The Argos could also turn over the naming rights and jersey sponsorship revenue towards the construction costs, much like how MLSE and Ticats did for their stadiums. That's another $20M or so, in revenues.

Many GTA communities desperately need new cultural and recreational facilities (like has been expressed in Mississauga). The federal gov't gives away billions each year for these community projects along with infrastructure improvements. The Argos need to be creative and vigilant in their pursuit of a new stadium to play in.

They shouldn't crawl into the snake pit. The Argos should stay as far away from Rogers/MLSE/Tanenbaum (who reportedly loves the Argos so much)/petulant sunglass-boy, as they can possibly get.

[AngeloV]

If the Argos/CFL are willing to contribute $20 million towards their stadium, the sharks at MLSE is the last place I'd give it to. That'd be like paying ransom money to ISIS so they won't behead an foreign aid worker. Don't reward your enemies.

Quite possibly the stupidest comparison I have ever read.

[T-Bone]

Quite possibly the stupidest comparison I have ever read.

I would say it's a little extreme.

[LLB997]

If the Argos/CFL are willing to contribute $20 million towards their stadium, the sharks at MLSE is the last place I'd give it to. That'd be like paying ransom money to ISIS so they won't behead an foreign aid worker. Don't reward your enemies.

$20M would be a nice down payment on the Argos own stadium, with the province or city guaranteeing a loan for the remaining amount, which would be paid back through a seat fees. Rider fans, for example, pay a $12 seat fee (they are contributing $40M towards their new stadium). If the Argos averaged 20,000 fans, a seat fee of that amount is $2.4M per season X 30 years = $72M in revenue to pay back the loan.

This is not revolutionary. The Bombers are paying back $90M over 40 years towards their city-backed stadium loan (SnowRouque please correct me.)

It might be possible to team up with a GTA community who would provide the land and infrastructure (similar to the proposed Mississauga football stadium). The Argos don't have to build a palace all at once. They could build the stadium in stages (a 12,500-seat grandstand on one side with a temporary grandstand on the other side, for example.)

The Argos could also turn over the naming rights and jersey sponsorship revenue towards the construction costs, much like how MLSE and Ticats did for their stadiums. That's another $20M or so, in revenues.

Many GTA communities desperately need new cultural and recreational facilities (like has been expressed in Mississauga). The federal gov't gives away billions each year for these community projects along with infrastructure improvements. The Argos need to be creative and vigilant in their pursuit of a new stadium to play in.

They shouldn't crawl into the snake pit. The Argos should stay as far away from Rogers/MLSE/Tanenbaum (who reportedly loves the Argos so much)/petulant sunglass-boy, as they can possibly get.

I agree. why invest that kind of scratch into a diveball stadium u will b a second class citizen in.

[Neely2005]

I agree. why invest that kind of scratch into a diveball stadium u will b a second class citizen in.

I'm not a fan of the location or the stadium itself for BMO Field but I don't see any realistic alternative.

Hopefully the renovations will greatly improve the stadium.

[paulwoods13]

Dipping back in here briefly after some time away. I see Invader's "yeah but we can always have government build us a stadium" campaign continues apace.

[argotom]

Dipping back in here briefly after some time away. I see Invader's "yeah but we can always have government build us a stadium" campaign continues apace.

How different is this than what happened with BMO?
Also and here is the rub, if any Canadian institution and they seem to be disappearing quickly before our eyes, surely the Argos and the CFL a truly all Canadian league deserve it.
I will allow my taxpayers share to go towards it.

[argolio]

How different is this than what happened with BMO?
Also and here is the rub, if any Canadian institution and they seem to be disappearing quickly before our eyes, surely the Argos and the CFL a truly all Canadian league deserve it.
I will allow my taxpayers share to go towards it.

Good luck finding money for a $100+ million stadium. Harper doesn't want to contribute to pro sports stadiums, Ford whined about the current BMO funding, and Wynne is dealing with a huge deficit.

It's possible Harper and Ford will both be out of office a year from now, but that wouldn't guarantee anything, and it may be too late anyway.

[argotom]

Good luck finding money for a $100+ million stadium. Harper doesn't want to contribute to pro sports stadiums, Ford whined about the current BMO funding, and Wynne is dealing with a huge deficit.

It's possible Harper and Ford will both be out of office a year from now, but that wouldn't guarantee anything, and it may be too late anyway.

That's why if its tied in to the York U, just like the U of Manitoba and the Bombers team up, there are supposed funds available from various levels from what I understand.

[ArgoRavi]

That's why if its tied in to the York U, just like the U of Manitoba and the Bombers team up, there are supposed funds available from various levels from what I understand.

Ontario is not Manitoba or B.C. though. There is simply not hundreds of millions or even tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that will be spent on a CFL stadium in the GTA, no matter how deserving some may feel that the Argos would be of such a handout. It really is BMO Field or bust.

[T-Bone]

That's why if its tied in to the York U, just like the U of Manitoba and the Bombers team up, there are supposed funds available from various levels from what I understand.

When the York Pan Am Stadium project started the Argos stadium situation was already known. Why were the Argos not included from day one if it makes so much sense for them to be there?