Ti Cat fan and TFC Season Seat Holder (and Ex Argo SSH back in the Sherwood Schwartz days) comes in peace to give a few tips on life at a game at BMO

I have no animosity towards you all. Just want to give you some experience.

First and most important

BMO is WAAAAY more fun then the Dome. Enjoy. BUT, it takes a bit to get in and out.



Weather

Yes, you will have to know what the weather will be like now. Check Toronto Island weather, as its usually 6 degrees colder at the lake then in the city. In the Fall, it will be cold. Layers. Lots and lots of layers.


Transit


The best way into BMO bar none is usually the streetcars in from Union Station or Bathurst. Right now they are stopping at Fleet street and you take a bus to north of the Princes' Gate and walk in. Personally I'd suggest if you come from anywhere north of Bloor on the TTC you take the Bloor line to Ossington and then take the Ossington Bus south to Liberty Village. Then walk under the GO line to the stadium.

Getting out though is very different. Buses to the streetcars line up again north of the Princes' gate. More importantly, the crush of 18-25K of people trying to get out at one time means a LOT of people are trying to take that underpass under the GO line. Have patience if you are doing that.


GO

Great service every 30 minutes. Because of construction, the East bound access is to the East of the GO underpass - it will be congested after the game.

There will be GO cops, so use your Presto.


Parking

Lots around BMO on the Ex grounds but that's the most expensive. If you can walk, park at Lamport or in the lots around Liberty Village. Don't park at the Metro as they tow. Expect to take a awhile to get out. During the Ex, parking will be at a premium everywhere.


Liberty Village

The BEST way to get to your stadium is to take that walk towards the underpass, see the stadium and the lights. Lots of great watering holes (and a Tim's) in Liberty Village for before or after the games. Soooo much better then around SkyDome.



Gettting In


Use the South Entrances as everybody and their kid will be going in the north. Take a 5 minutes walk around - its worth it. Security is much like the dome - wand, bags, no outside food or water, no umbrellas.

In The Stadium

Go to the South Concourse and take a look around. Its gorgeous. The Islands, the view of the downtown, the view of the stadium. Take pics, and show friends to get them to go with you to games.

The East concourse on the second level is a good open space to have a beer with friends before the game.

Beer - lots of choices considering its InBev. Mill Street added this year. And this year, they are letting us walk around with cans in our hands. Yes, they treat you like adults. Hard liquor too, if you want a gin and tonic.

Food - lots of choices beyond hot dogs and popcorn. Best deal is the Tacos on the West concourse but the frites and the pork sandwiches are good too. Not sure what you all will get but hopefully they give you the full menus.

Drink - Coffee and Hot chocolate are $3 and you will want that in September and October.

If you are sitting in the South or on the East side, bring sunglasses and maybe sunscreen.


Sound

Argo game ops will play a lot of music but you'll also notice the stadium can get really loud with the new roof/canopy/umbrella. The West side is really good for stomping feet and the East side holds the sound in.


The Stadium Itself.

OK, we are sharing this thing and I gotta tell you something about it.....its different, its unique and its yours for the day. Its not like TMH. Its not like any other field in the CFL. It has the potential to become a REAL fortress for you all, louder then anything else in the East if you get the bodies in there. Most importantly, its a great stadium to be in. Unlike the Dome, the amenities will be focused on you that day - I remember what it was like in the Dome and how most of you stuck all that out I do not know. BUT, this is your stadium for the day and its up to all of you to make it a home for the Argos. It has a LOT to offer. It will be more fun then the Dome. It has its quirks and its not going to be easy to get in and out of. BUT, its your home now.


Enjoy.

Pax.