Argo Sale

[AngeloV]

We seem to all forget that up until the 1970s, the Grey Cup was almost exclusively in Toronto (as was the Vanier).

Largely because only Toronto and Vancouver had stadiums big enough to produce a good gate.

Unless I misinterpreted the original quote, Vancouver didn't have a big stadium, or start hosting Grey Cups regularly until '83.

[R.J]

As KevinRiley said over on the CFL forum, we are so desperate for any positive news on the ownership/stadium front that we will jump at anything. The one thing I will say for this particular rumour is that it might help explain why John Tory jumped the gun about Toronto hosting the 2016 Grey Cup. I don't think that Tory pulled that one out of mid-air.

I agree Ravi, something was just odd about Tory talking about the Grey Cup coming in 2016. Almost as if he knew/was told something and just jumped the gun.

[rdavies]

List of Grey Cup locations (since 1950)

[ArgoRavi]

Unless I misinterpreted the original quote, Vancouver didn't have a big stadium, or start hosting Grey Cups regularly until '83.

Vancouver had the largest stadium in the 1960s and early 1970s IIRC and hosted in '60, '63, '66, '71, and '74. Once Exhibition Stadium was expanded to over 50k in the mid 1970s and Olympic Stadium opened in Montreal, Vancouver was on the outs until B.C. Place opened in '83. Between '76 and '82, Toronto and Montreal only alternated as hosts.

[rdavies]

From 1971 to 1975, Ivor Wynne was the largest stadium in the CFL with 34,500 seats.

[Godfather]

We seem to all forget that up until the 1970s, the Grey Cup was almost exclusively in Toronto (as was the Vanier). I don't think it is a big deal, and if MLSE were to have so much skin in this, they would market like crazy and make sure that these were a success. One thing about them, beyond their crappy teams, they sell stuff out (even terrible TFC did really well at the gate this year, after 7 years of complete loserdom).

Also, while this story is very much a rumour, we do know that it had been reported in December that Braley had a lease offer from MLSE on his desk; also, Braley had said that he would not negotiate regarding the team until after the season, and mentioned a "60 day" window" to negotiate. Other hints include just how quiet things have become, and Bob McCown's grudging admission that the MLSE/Argos discussions were back on, despite his earlier assertion that they were "dead."

Excellent post. With 4 Grey Cups MLSE has huge incentive to market the argos heavily over this period and not just in advance of Grey Cups. If this is indeed true I think the CFL should agree to get this deal done. Over this period the eight other teams in the league should also be able to get to host the Grey Cup once.

As a ticats season ticket holder I would be disappointed that the tiger-cats may only get to host the Grey Cup once in the next 12 years (I believe the cats were promised two in six years) but it would be a small sacrifice compared to the long-term benefits of having MLSE as part of the CFL.

[Will]

When did McCown admit that MLSE-Argo negotiations were back on?

[Neely2005]

Excellent post. With 4 Grey Cups MLSE has huge incentive to market the argos heavily over this period and not just in advance of Grey Cups. If this is indeed true I think the CFL should agree to get this deal done. Over this period the eight other teams in the league should also be able to get to host the Grey Cup once.

As a ticats season ticket holder I would be disappointed that the tiger-cats may only get to host the Grey Cup once in the next 12 years (I believe the cats were promised two in six years) but it would be a small sacrifice compared to the long-term benefits of having MLSE as part of the CFL.

I can only imagine the crying from other fanbases if we get 4 of the next 12 Grey Cups. Especially the Western ones since Hamilton and Ottawa are going to need to host at least one each for their new stadiums.

[Fumblitis]

I can only imagine the crying from other fanbases if we get 4 of the next 12 Grey Cups. Especially the Western ones since Hamilton and Ottawa are going to need to host at least one each for their new stadiums.

If it means a viable and financially strong Toronto franchise, I'm one westerner that won't gripe.

[VANRIDERFAN]

If it means a viable and financially strong Toronto franchise, I'm one westerner that won't gripe.

x2 from this westerner as well.

[AngeloV]

I can only imagine the crying from other fanbases if we get 4 of the next 12 Grey Cups. Especially the Western ones since Hamilton and Ottawa are going to need to host at least one each for their new stadiums.

It would still equate to 6 in the east and 6 in the west over that period, unless Montreal wants to host one as well, but I haven't heard anything about them wanting one for quite a while.

[ArgoRavi]

It would still equate to 6 in the east and 6 in the west over that period, unless Montreal wants to host one as well, but I haven't heard anything about them wanting one for quite a while.

My understanding is that Olympic Stadium is incapable of hosting Grey Cups at this time as the roof cannot take much snow which is always a risk by late November.

[Neely2005]

If it means a viable and financially strong Toronto franchise, I'm one westerner that won't gripe.

x2 from this westerner as well.

Glad to hear that.

It would still equate to 6 in the east and 6 in the west over that period, unless Montreal wants to host one as well, but I haven't heard anything about them wanting one for quite a while.

Yes but didn't someone mention earlier that Hamilton has been promised 2? And if Hamilton has been promised 2 then Ottawa probably has too...

[R.J]

Based on what Farhan and Gary said during Hustler & Lawless today, it seems as though MLSE isn't too fond of Braley.

[gilthethrill]

Based on what Farhan and Gary said during Hustler & Lawless today, it seems as though MLSE isn't too fond of Braley.

Who is fond of Braley in Toronto?

[Argo57]

Based on what Farhan and Gary said during Hustler & Lawless today, it seems as though MLSE isn't too fond of Braley.

Asspick organization doesn't like asspick owner!

[ArgoRavi]

Who is fond of Braley in Toronto?

Farhan Lalji: "David Braley is an acquired taste."

We don't have the luxury of having 20 years in Toronto to acquire that taste. I don't know how the league does this but they have to get the Argos out of Braley's hands.

[ArgoRavi]

According to the Star's Bruce Arthur, the clock is really ticking and something has to get done by the end of the month: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/...on-arthur.html

[Treblecharger1]

Sounds like a deal will be done here

[Fumblitis]

According to the Star's Bruce Arthur, the clock is really ticking and something has to get done by the end of the month: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/...on-arthur.html

Braley is killing the CFL with his stubbornness.