Enjoy the day.

[Mike Hogan]

Greetings;

I don't post often, but thought today was a bit different.

A lot of folks have waited for this day for a long time, so I just wanted to wish you a happy opening day.

For too long it's almost been like you've had to be apologetic to be an Argos fan. Hopefully those days are coming to an end.

I've read - at times it great amusement/bewilderment - some of the complaints about the new era. May I make some suggestions..

1- Have fun tonight. Embrace the new era and the potential it holds.

2- Wear your colours proudly. A no brainer on game day, I'd love to see more of the stuff on non game days.

3- See someone who looks new to the experience? Ask if they need a hand, or if they're having fun. The newcomers are the people needed to make this thing work, never forget that.

4- Don't be afraid to make noise...and lots of it. The dome made it awkward to cheer because a lot of people found it a little out of their comfort zone to cheer when not everyone around them was. Trust me, the players and coaching staff DO notice a loud building.

5- Get involved on social media. It helps raise the presence of the team/league in a market that needs it.

6- When in doubt, revert to suggestion #1.

Please read these in the spirit in which they're given. Before I'm a 'media guy' I'm a football fan. I've been in Toronto since '91, and all I've really wanted to do is see a growth in the sport in this town. Sadly, the opposite is true. We all know the Argo troubles. The NFL didn't work here, nor did the NCAA bowl game. CIS football draws friends and family in Ontario and nobody goes to high school games.

This is an opportunity to change that, to make an Argos game a destination event, something that has not been the case in this market since the early 80's. It's frustrating to go to road games, then come back to Toronto to see a lack of atmosphere. I'm hoping those days are over.

My lord I hope it works and if you're on this site, the odds are you do too.

We have three season tix as a family, my wife has been over-the-moon excited for this season since the BMO move was finalized.

I can't wait for tonight.

I hope you can put aside whichever frustrations you have with the move and enjoy the night.

A lot of us have waited a long time for this.

Cheers.

[Argos1983]

Couldn't have said it better ---- a lot of us have been hoping for a resurgence in interest beyond us "CFL lifers" (it's a great product and we should want others to find it!!) - let's make BMO a destination where people feel they have to come and see a game! - let's have fun and make some noise for our team tonight!

Wearing some Boat logo gear tonight!!

ARGOS!!!

[OV Argo]

Agreed/ thanks Mike; I enjoy listening to your call of Argo games on radio (got to hear some last year over Ottawa 1200 sports radio - turn down the sound on the TV to listen to the far superior radio commentary).

Arrrrrrgoooos !!!

[1argoholic]

I hope everyone has a BLAST!!!!! Wish I could be there. Weather looks killer and I hope for a strong start and to see a healthy Ricky Ray back and better then ever.

I want to see the place rocking while hopefully not listening to Rod. Please don't let it be Rod.

I feel sick not being able to come.

[Scooter McCray]

Thanks for the post Mike, and thank you for all of your hard work over the years covering our beleaguered team especially when it has been unpopular to do so. We need more in the media like you, who stand up for what they believe in.

[1argoholic]

Plus Mike's a great guy on and off the mike even though he's a Fighting Irish fan. haha.

[PullTogether73]

Great post Hogie!

While there have been some criticisms here of how the new management have done things, be assured that all of us are ardent Double Blue supporters, and I believe we are all very excited about tonight's game.

I will be in my seat wearing my customized home jersey, matching navy golf pants, Argonauts logo bucket hat, and (if I can find it from last year) Argo colours face paint.
Edit: forgot that I picked up Argonauts socks in the off season. I'll be wearing those too.

I'm ready and pumped!!

[Kenners]

awesome.

[paulwoods13]

Don't worry, Mike (and everyone). This is going to not only meet but exceed expectations. A full house, a loud, enthusiastic crowd, lots of spectacle and pageantry and two talented rivals going head to head for the millionth time. I cannot wait to soak it all in!

[ArgofanIan]

We are all big Mike Hogan fans on this site.... and fans of the CFL, CIS and especially the ARGOS !!! Going to be a great day / season .... Go ARRRGOS !!!

[Will]

Thank you Mike for your sentiments. It is a special day for all of us to be sure! It really sickens me that I have to miss it.

[Neely2005]

Great post Mike.

And don't worry even though we don't always agree, I think we all enjoy coming here and having a place to discuss everything Argonauts.

[R.J]

Great post Mike. I'm so hyped up about this game. The first real glimpse of our future and what we're building towards.
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TOBenfica]

very well said Mike! here is to amazing times ahead

[Johno27]

Thank you for your fine sentiments Hogie. Your support of all things football and the Argos in particular has been a beacon of hope of better times to come. And they have! Let the Argo fight song ring loud and clear!

http://www.argosendzone.com/argos-fight-song/

[Stevoman]

Very cool and classy post. As someone out on the Westcoast, I can only be at BMO in spirit but will proudly be wearing Argos gear on game days (and some in between!). So happy that Argo fans in T.O. finally have a stadium that they can call their own and someday I'll get there to join in the fun.

[gilthethrill]

Last minute I am forced to pull out. Had this date on my calendar circled for months. However I will enjoy games at BMO for this historic season. My Argo cave will be alive tonight. Have a blasts everyone!Hoagie still rules!!!

[timlb01]

CANNOT WAIT!!!! I couldn't sleep last night!!!! I am so pumped.

[ArgoGabe22]

Exciting times no doubt. Glad to be apart it.

[Argocister]

Great post !
And to all ...... Love rule number 1 ......have fun tonight !
I am so excited and am reading all the fun things that are happening today and tonight .....but cannot go as hubby is having surgery ..... Alas the Argos did come second behind my hubby ..... But hope to either listen or watch the game ..... Please cheer extra loud for me too !

ARRRRRRRGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS!!