A media challenge...

[Mike Hogan]

Not what you were probably expecting, but this is a challenge FROM the media.

Okay...one member of the media.

Okay...me.

Since I first arrived in Toronto in 1992 I've heard nothing but criticism of the media, much of it deserved, but it got incredibly frustrating at times getting lumped in with the faction of the media that doesn't care about the CFL and the Argos.

That ain't me. I'm an unabashed football fan who lists Bill Symons as his first favourite player. I've been a season-ticket holder when I wasn't calling the games, my wife has three season tix now. My wife and I drove from Whitby to Hamilton to watch Mac/Queen's in the rain two weeks ago, while I drove to K/W to watch the Laurier/Mac game this week.

Admittedly, I love football. I want the sport to thrive in Toronto. A big crowd in Toronto would look great on TV and help the image of the sport in the GTA tremendously.

At the end of last week's podcast I said something to JJ and it was picked up by a few listeners and shared on Twitter, so I thought I'd throw it out here and see what happens.

My challenge to you is simple and direct. If you're going to the game, recruit a friend. If you go with a group of three, recruit three friends between you. Even if they can't sit near you, drinks before/after the game are easily planned.

Whether the Argos play Ottawa or Saskatchewan, it should be a fantastic game. If the base of 12,000 fans can recruit an equal number you flirt with a sellout.

I'll do my part.

Are you up for the challenge? If yes, let everyone here know when you grab a friend or three to bring to the game.

I'm up for a big party on Sunday, November 19th.

Who's with me?

[AngeloV]

I love it Hogie. I will do what I can to see if I can convince a couple of people. Might be difficult, but I will give it a go.

[R.J]

I'll try my best, but I've learned that when my friends that aren't Argo fans have to pay for games, they won't come out, but when I hand them free tickets, they always have time all of a sudden.

[Argofan_1000]

I have 3 seasons + 2 extra and someone else at work wants me to see If I can get them a ticket. So 6 for now. See if I can grow it

[1971GreyCup]

Mike, Bill Symons remains my favourite Argo of all time. Michael "Pinball" Clemons is a smidgen behind (and might actually be a tie).

We can definitely recruit 1 for 1. Given that it's playoff game, plus excellent deals offered, I'll approach the Oshawa Hawkeyes Football Club and see if they could use 100 tickets. I believe the Argos will return some $ back to the minor league teams as well. That idea might fly across the GTA as well.

Let fill the joint! With Ricky Ray, James Wilder Jr., and the D hitting their stride at just the right time, the Grey Cup isn't out of reach!

[Will]

Let's get it done!

[RB957]

Let's get it done!

What a great challenge! Thanks Mike for putting it out there. I have talked two friends into coming to the game. Also my son has talked one of his friends into coming as well.

I really hope we can fill BMO and rock the joint.

[Neely2005]

We have 3 season tickets and have 5 additional people that have bought tickets so far. It looks like we should have a 6th additional ticket sold soon too.

[OV Argo]

Great work Mike and all you guys making the effort to get more people out !

Arrrrrrrgooooos ! Pull Together !!!

[herrington2828]

I Love it, challenge accepted.

I am, not the media-state white 50'+ Argo demographic -late 20's and a STH for a decade with 2 seats.

Our group in Section 120 Row 8/9 is now up to 7 tickets purchased/confirmed for the game, so I am a personal +5 on top of my 2 seats ... will update my post as I can try and get this to grow.

[Scooter McCray]

I have feelers out to friends and family. At the 2013 eastern final I brought 10 additional people. Mike what are TSN 1050 plans to talk Argos over the next week? Also what are Michael Copelands ideas to sell this game out? That would be a good interview.

[Mightygoose]

Just booked 3 to come out. We have 2STs so sitting at 150% of our personal target and working on a few more!

[Mike Hogan]

You folks are fantastic. Great work. Keep plugging! I'm up to two personally, will keep slugging away. Scooter, no idea. I'm not on the schedule this week and haven't heard about next week.

[Scooter McCray]

You folks are fantastic. Great work. Keep plugging! I'm up to two personally, will keep slugging away. Scooter, no idea. I'm not on the schedule this week and haven't heard about next week.

You should be on the schedule every week. You should have a daily show not unlike Leafs lunch or Ticats today. Let's call it Argos appetizers or for the French folk Argo apetit. But seriously The Argo Bounce. Here's hoping sane minds let you go on the road to cover the team again and a pre and post game show. How radical.

[Neely2005]

You should be on the schedule every week. You should have a daily show not unlike Leafs lunch or Ticats today. Let's call it Argos appetizers or for the French folk Argo apetit. But seriously The Argo Bounce. Here's hoping sane minds let you go on the road to cover the team again and a pre and post game show. How radical.

[Tobythor]

I got 11 confirmed including 3 kids coming to there first game. Usually only 2 season tickets. I'm working on others, should be a great day!

[paulwoods13]

I've done my bit with four extra seats sold to relatives, on top of my usual two. Keep those sales coming, folks!

[DoubleBlue_Red]

I brought 3 Ti-Cats fans to the last home game vs Winnipeg. Hopefully they will come back for this one. Its the only way they're going to see some playoff football live.

[Tobythor]

I made it to the group rate! 20 people. The tailgate starts at 9 and the Argos have got a special permit to serve beer at 9. Not sure if I'll start that early! It should be a great day!

[paulwoods13]

The tailgate starts at 9 and the Argos have got a special permit to serve beer at 9.

Very smart move on mgmt's part. Hope they publicize it.