Argos at BMO Field

[argotom]

Bravo!! Another great post.

Ok Einstein, yes Mr. Ed is more like it.
Your insults are way over the top.
A Mr. know it all, I will not lower myself any longer with your totally ignorant outbursts.

[R.J]

IMO part of the good news is that if/when the Argos end up in BMO, the seating capacity (according to Bob Hunter) will be 26-27,000, instead of the previously stated 25,000.

BMO can work for both and as long as it does work for both (painted lines and sightlines being important), I don't see any issue with the situation. The Rogers Centre can still be used for playoffs games and Grey Cups.

[argolio]

If $20 million can't be come up with to turn BMO Field into a CFL stadium, then how do you come up with a whole lot more for a stadium at York?

Magic fairy dust. Duh!

[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.

[Neely2005]

If $20 million can't be come up with to turn BMO Field into a CFL stadium, then how do you come up with a whole lot more for a stadium at York? And before anyone else mentions this, there is no more government money for these ventures in Ontario.

Aren't they currently building some kind of Stadium for the Pan Am games at York?

[T-Bone]

Aren't they currently building some kind of Stadium for the Pan Am games at York?

Yes, they are.

[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.

[gilthethrill]

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

Only 25? I would have thought it would have been twice that.

Thanks T-Bone.

[T-Bone]

Only 25? I would have thought it would have been twice that.

Thanks T-Bone.

No problem, I just checked this years schedule at BMO Field and TFC currently has 19 guaranteed games a year. They also added the Tottenham friendly and there were 9 other soccer or rugby games this year so far. That brings the total to 29 and there maybe a few more.

[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.

[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!

[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.