Where to find 1/2 Stadium of Fans

[paulwoods13]

A large number of the people who attend Jays games think it is "cool" to do so. Same, I suspect, for a large number of people who attend TFC games. Our challenge is to convince more people that it is cool to attend an Argo game. It's a bigger challenge than those teams faced, IMO, because the NFL is perceived as cooler than the CFL by many (probably most) people in this market, and because those other two teams either play in a best-in-world league (Jays) or in a sport that is clearly on a growth trajectory in this market and in North America as a whole (TFC). Not saying it can't or won't be done, just that the challenge to have the Argos be considered "cool" is greater than it was for either of those teams (which IMO are our competition for attracting casual fans -- the Leafs are in a league of their own and the Raptors are now very firmly entrenched in the marketplace).

[Argos1983]

A large number of the people who attend Jays games think it is "cool" to do so. Same, I suspect, for a large number of people who attend TFC games. Our challenge is to convince more people that it is cool to attend an Argo game. It's a bigger challenge than those teams faced, IMO, because the NFL is perceived as cooler than the CFL by many (probably most) people in this market, and because those other two teams either play in a best-in-world league (Jays) or in a sport that is clearly on a growth trajectory in this market and in North America as a whole (TFC). Not saying it can't or won't be done, just that the challenge to have the Argos be considered "cool" is greater than it was for either of those teams (which IMO are our competition for attracting casual fans -- the Leafs are in a league of their own and the Raptors are now very firmly entrenched in the marketplace).

100% agreed --- now can anyone please tell me what we are actually doing about it to change things even incrementally for the better of our attendance numbers THIS season?! other than making excuses and saying it will take time - yes we get that, but you have to do something over that time to make it actually happen!? is anyone hearing anything from the FO that is making them feel confident?....did I miss the new "Cool" things we are attempting to engage the fans with THIS year? a Flutie Bobblehead?

[Rich]

A large number of the people who attend Jays games think it is "cool" to do so. Same, I suspect, for a large number of people who attend TFC games. Our challenge is to convince more people that it is cool to attend an Argo game. It's a bigger challenge than those teams faced, IMO, because the NFL is perceived as cooler than the CFL by many (probably most) people in this market, and because those other two teams either play in a best-in-world league (Jays) or in a sport that is clearly on a growth trajectory in this market and in North America as a whole (TFC). Not saying it can't or won't be done, just that the challenge to have the Argos be considered "cool" is greater than it was for either of those teams (which IMO are our competition for attracting casual fans -- the Leafs are in a league of their own and the Raptors are now very firmly entrenched in the marketplace).

The Argonauts will be cool when they're perceived to be consistent winners on the field.

[Argos1983]

The Argonauts will be cool when they're perceived to be consistent winners on the field.

The 1996 and 1997 two time grey cup champions at 15-3 both years and with Doug Flutie at QB says otherwise......

[Rich]

The 1996 and 1997 two time grey cup champions at 15-3 both years and with Doug Flutie at QB says otherwise......

it was a very different dynamic in 97. Everyone believed a Toronto NFL team was just around the corner. The CFL was on the verge of folding. The Argonauts had disinterested ownership who didn't invest an extra penny on top of Flutie's salary. People started saying what a lousy place the Skydome was for football.

It's very different now. Everyone knows the Argonauts are owned and operated by a truly professional sports organization for the first time in their history. Everyone knows the CFL is on the upswing everywhere else. Casual fans are undoubtedly being tempted by BMO Field and the tailgates, but nobody wants to go to a game if the home team will probably suck. If the Argos can establish and sustain a reputation for on-field excellence, in that beautiful stadium, I think casual fans will be jumping on the bandwagon in droves.

[Bosco]

Everyone knows the CFL is on the upswing everywhere else.

It isn't. BC's attendance has been problematic for a few years now. Their home opener this year only had 19,000... and that's a VERY generous number. Montreal barely cracks 20,000 and Calgary's attendance has dropped the last few years - and only got 24,000 in their home opener this year. TV ratings are down as well so far.

[Rich]

It isn't. BC's attendance has been problematic for a few years now. Their home opener this year only had 19,000... and that's a VERY generous number. Montreal barely cracks 20,000 and Calgary's attendance has dropped the last few years - and only got 24,000 in their home opener this year. TV ratings are down as well so far.

The CFL is in much, much better shape financially today than it was in 1997.