Follow up to my 'odd question' thread.

[1971GreyCup]

What I appreciate the most about the Argos and the CFL apart from the onfield product is the access to the players and the offseason events. Argos recently have been inconsistent with their events. For example, the locker room sales take place some years and not other years. Fan Appreciation Day important some years and held prior to the season, other years during the season. The Argos have a number of players residing all season in the Toronto area and it isn’t inconceivable to put together a monthly event. ie., “watch the Super Bowl with the Argos”. Perhaps more community types of events and rely on partners in areas such Durham, Markham & Peel to put on events. Tie them to charities.

Parent/children fan combinations are very powerful. Putting together a hardcore fan with the next generation fan at games and offseason events have to be a priority. In recent years we’ve been fortunate to meet and get to know other hardcore father/son, father/daughter, mother/son & mother/daughter fan combinations across the country and on social media. In Toronto many of these combinations seem to be the 70s fans and their children, while in other markets the combination they seem younger.

Toronto once had maybe the strongest social media team, but a constant turnover in that department has resulted in inconsistent social media - important to the younger demographic.

[AngeloV]

What I appreciate the most about the Argos and the CFL apart from the onfield product is the access to the players and the offseason events. Argos recently have been inconsistent with their events. For example, the locker room sales take place some years and not other years. Fan Appreciation Day important some years and held prior to the season, other years during the season. The Argos have a number of players residing all season in the Toronto area and it isn’t inconceivable to put together a monthly event. ie., “watch the Super Bowl with the Argos”. Perhaps more community types of events and rely on partners in areas such Durham, Markham & Peel to put on events. Tie them to charities.

Parent/children fan combinations are very powerful. Putting together a hardcore fan with the next generation fan at games and offseason events have to be a priority. In recent years we’ve been fortunate to meet and get to know other hardcore father/son, father/daughter, mother/son & mother/daughter fan combinations across the country and on social media. In Toronto many of these combinations seem to be the 70s fans and their children, while in other markets the combination they seem younger.

Toronto once had maybe the strongest social media team, but a constant turnover in that department has resulted in inconsistent social media - important to the younger demographic.

All good points. I remember as a teenager the Argos would have a monthly luncheon at Shopsy's honouring their player of the month. That was cool. Before moving from 33 Yonge to the Sheraton Centre, there were tons of pictures on the wall at Shopsy's from these events. Not sure if the pictures are at the new location, as I have not been there.

[Will]

All good points. I remember as a teenager the Argos would have a monthly luncheon at Shopsy's honouring their player of the month. That was cool. Before moving from 33 Yonge to the Sheraton Centre, there were tons of pictures on the wall at Shopsy's from these events. Not sure if the pictures are at the new location, as I have not been there.

The Shopsy's is sorta blended in with an Irish Pub now. I was in there, and didn't really note anything Argo related.

[AngeloV]

The Shopsy's is sorta blended in with an Irish Pub now. I was in there, and didn't really note anything Argo related.

That's a shame.

[allantats]

Great thread!
A few random thoughts on a better all around experience.
1. MLSE should now have locker room sales at the end of every season with players on hand to sign purchased items. I think every other team does this! If I was a kid I would love this!
2. Better merchandise to purchase, especially at the games. Again, thinking about kids experiences.
3. Flex game packages.
4. Have to agree with the amount and volume of music and advertising. It's hard to have individuals or stadium cheers etc. when you have to sit and listen all the time.
When a TD is scored get some cheers going (Aaaargooos) or whatever to get some atmosphere going. Let the crowd celebrate before having to "listen' again.
5. Allow replays good or bad. I hate it when there is a controversial call and we don't get to see it. This happens all the time!
6. Get rid of the North end zone. Used to come extra early just to stand there and watch warmups.
7. I understand why but the walk from the shipyard is way too early. Sometimes I'm just getting there as they're starting to walk out.
8. Communication between MLSE and season ticket holders is atrocious. I won't get into it here but they need to treat their fan base with some respect.

Lots of good things to say as well. Beer prices and concessions are great and love the Argos entrance at game time.

[1971GreyCup]

---

In three days in Myrtle Beach have been asked twice about our Argos merchandise. An American who can’t get US shipping and an Argos Season Ticket holder. The STH sits in 105 and his young son loves the tunnel. He already has two pairs of game worn gloves!

Better and more diverse merchandise would help a lot in the crowded T.O. market. I think it’s a HUGE lost opportunity not having the Locker Sales and I must say I get frustrated seeing the other teams still hosting theirs on their social media platforms. The Ticats seem to have figured merchandising business by starting from scratch, while the Argos struggle with the backing of the business juggernaut known as MLSE??

Don’t treat it as a profit centre yet. Invest in the brand and then hopefully profits will follow.

[Neely2005]

Very disappointed to see that those POS stands are still ruining the North End Zone Common Area.

Doesn't look like the Argonauts implemented many of the fan suggestions at all.

[timlb01]

Very disappointed to see that those POS stands are still ruining the North End Zone Common Area.

Doesn't look like the Argonauts implemented many of the fan suggestions at all.

Agreed these stands really are bad for the atmosphere. Only complaint I really have other than losing.

[Mike Hogan]

Very disappointed to see that those POS stands are still ruining the North End Zone Common Area.

Doesn't look like the Argonauts implemented many of the fan suggestions at all.

We didn't?

Some of the fan suggestions I collected here last year included adding off-season events, so we gave you the Town Hall and the Draft Party - both of which were extremely well received...You wanted gifts for each season ticket, not each account, check... You wanted an Argos app, done...The Shipyard was too far from the stadium. Corrected...Theme nights? Okay, we'll try that...Alumni autograph sessions? Check...Please keep the $5 beer. Okay...We want cheaper concession options. We offer a $3 hot dog...I wish you'd fix the end zone turf. Done...The north grandstand (which isn't going anywhere, though it was discussed) looks bad when it's empty. We covered up the two empty outer sections to make it more homey and add more Argo logos and double blue to the stadium...You should have cheaper tickets. We have the lowest prices in the CFL.

That's just from my list here.

I get it, you were upset with the result yesterday and needed a place to vent, but I do take exception when you say that we didn't listen to our fans, that's just not true. The above list is just from suggestions submitted to me here on Argofans.com. There may have been other suggestions that have been corrected, but I don't know because I don't get a chance to experience all of the in-game stuff. There are other things that will be unveiled as we go along.

It also doesn't include improvements based on fan suggestions away from this board. For the record, not all of the suggestions here weren't in the works to begin with, like the turf and our new app , which I hope everyone here has downloaded...it's free.

When I asked for suggestions last year I was sincere, and I promise you I gave a list of ALL the suggestions to people way above me on the company depth chart. This is an ongoing process to make the experience of going to an Argo game the best live event in the city and many people are working their butts off to make sure that's the case. I'm open to suggestions and concerns at any time. Please don't hesitate to send me a direct message here.

I'd love to know if there's an organization that listens to its fans more that we do. If you can name one, then please let me know who that is and I will contact them directly to find out how/what they're doing.

I can tell you that by checking social media, fans from other CFL markets are really jealous of our season-ticket package/gifts, and were blown away by the amount of things we had going on at the opener.

Cheers, and I hope to see you at the B.C. game.

Hogan

[Brian45]

I took my two kids (ages 4 & 7) to their first Argos game yesterday and I thought they might only last a quarter or two but they stayed all game and had the best time. I enjoy the in-game experience and definitely keep things going for the kids they are the ones we need to get on-board. Good thing they were too young too understand the score hahahaha

[Brian45]

PS- the end zone turf looks much better hope the players liked it

[bannedforlife]

I get it, you were upset with the result yesterday and needed a place to vent, but I do take exception when you say that we didn't listen to our fans, that's just not true. The above list is just from suggestions submitted to me here on Argofans.com. There may have been other suggestions that have been corrected, but I don't know because I don't get a chance to experience all of the in-game stuff.

Just tune out and ignore the bitching. One thing I have noticed is people seem to love being doom and gloom and chicken little about this league. Why I don't know. It's bad enough that the trolls target the league to kill it but when supposed fans do it, it just makes you want to pack it in. If people would just realize how much harder that makes it to attract and keep new fans they might just stop posting every negative they feel they have to bitch about.

Thanks for all your efforts, you have a supporter in me. Now can you get me one of these


PS: Play up Michael O'Connor like he is the second coming of Jesus of Nazareth or Russ Jackson whichever is more appropriate (joke)

[dmont]

Our fans need to have the same merch options that the rest of the MLSE properties do. At the very least, they should at least offer the same asother teams in the league do.

Why is MLSE being so stingy with merch? Realsports hardly offers any selection. It COMPLETELY neglects women. My wife's no huge football fan, but shes nice enough to accompany me to the games. She likes having her glass of wine, and taking lots of selfies to post on social media. She wants to look cute while supporting the team! There should be hats, jerseys, t shirts, and tanks in women's cuts available for purchase online. MLSE doesnt have the means to keep a few boxes of the stuff available for sale online?

Women, especially young women, ought to feel included on game day. Cramming themselves into small-sized men's clothing doesnt cut the mustard. Make available something that will make them want to post selfies with their friends in the stands, spread some awareness through social media, and draw some of these fans (and the fellas who enjoy their company!) back to the team and the stadium.

[Neely2005]

We didn't?

Some of the fan suggestions I collected here last year included adding off-season events, so we gave you the Town Hall and the Draft Party - both of which were extremely well received...You wanted gifts for each season ticket, not each account, check... You wanted an Argos app, done...The Shipyard was too far from the stadium. Corrected...Theme nights? Okay, we'll try that...Alumni autograph sessions? Check...Please keep the $5 beer. Okay...We want cheaper concession options. We offer a $3 hot dog...I wish you'd fix the end zone turf. Done...The north grandstand (which isn't going anywhere, though it was discussed) looks bad when it's empty. We covered up the two empty outer sections to make it more homey and add more Argo logos and double blue to the stadium...You should have cheaper tickets. We have the lowest prices in the CFL.

That's just from my list here.

I get it, you were upset with the result yesterday and needed a place to vent, but I do take exception when you say that we didn't listen to our fans, that's just not true. The above list is just from suggestions submitted to me here on Argofans.com. There may have been other suggestions that have been corrected, but I don't know because I don't get a chance to experience all of the in-game stuff. There are other things that will be unveiled as we go along.

It also doesn't include improvements based on fan suggestions away from this board. For the record, not all of the suggestions here weren't in the works to begin with, like the turf and our new app , which I hope everyone here has downloaded...it's free.

When I asked for suggestions last year I was sincere, and I promise you I gave a list of ALL the suggestions to people way above me on the company depth chart. This is an ongoing process to make the experience of going to an Argo game the best live event in the city and many people are working their butts off to make sure that's the case. I'm open to suggestions and concerns at any time. Please don't hesitate to send me a direct message here.

I'd love to know if there's an organization that listens to its fans more that we do. If you can name one, then please let me know who that is and I will contact them directly to find out how/what they're doing.

I can tell you that by checking social media, fans from other CFL markets are really jealous of our season-ticket package/gifts, and were blown away by the amount of things we had going on at the opener.

Cheers, and I hope to see you at the B.C. game.

Hogan

Hi Mike, thanks for the reply. Not venting sharing our honest opinions.

I was only referring to the in stadium game day experience. I didn't see or experience anything different from last season.

And the Shipyard was a disaster! 2 Beer Stands with Hundreds of people stuck in each line. Same thing for the Hot Dog Stand. Also we could only find 1 Garbage Can in the entire Shipyard.

Those stupid empty, rickity stands in the North Endzone also made the Shipyard extra cramped and extra crowded!

We'll be back for the BC Game and are bringing friends, again. However we will Not be going to the Shipyard again as it was a terrible experience.

[argos1873]

We didn't?

Some of the fan suggestions I collected here last year included adding off-season events, so we gave you the Town Hall and the Draft Party - both of which were extremely well received...You wanted gifts for each season ticket, not each account, check... You wanted an Argos app, done...The Shipyard was too far from the stadium. Corrected...Theme nights? Okay, we'll try that...Alumni autograph sessions? Check...Please keep the $5 beer. Okay...We want cheaper concession options. We offer a $3 hot dog...I wish you'd fix the end zone turf. Done...The north grandstand (which isn't going anywhere, though it was discussed) looks bad when it's empty. We covered up the two empty outer sections to make it more homey and add more Argo logos and double blue to the stadium...You should have cheaper tickets. We have the lowest prices in the CFL.

That's just from my list here.

I get it, you were upset with the result yesterday and needed a place to vent, but I do take exception when you say that we didn't listen to our fans, that's just not true. The above list is just from suggestions submitted to me here on Argofans.com. There may have been other suggestions that have been corrected, but I don't know because I don't get a chance to experience all of the in-game stuff. There are other things that will be unveiled as we go along.

It also doesn't include improvements based on fan suggestions away from this board. For the record, not all of the suggestions here weren't in the works to begin with, like the turf and our new app , which I hope everyone here has downloaded...it's free.

When I asked for suggestions last year I was sincere, and I promise you I gave a list of ALL the suggestions to people way above me on the company depth chart. This is an ongoing process to make the experience of going to an Argo game the best live event in the city and many people are working their butts off to make sure that's the case. I'm open to suggestions and concerns at any time. Please don't hesitate to send me a direct message here.

I'd love to know if there's an organization that listens to its fans more that we do. If you can name one, then please let me know who that is and I will contact them directly to find out how/what they're doing.

I can tell you that by checking social media, fans from other CFL markets are really jealous of our season-ticket package/gifts, and were blown away by the amount of things we had going on at the opener.

Cheers, and I hope to see you at the B.C. game.

Hogan

You almost sound defensive Hogan. Don't be. I get it that you worked hard, along with other people to make things happen. You can't please everyone. There will always be someone who wants the most, but only at a low price. Keep up the great work. I live in Ottawa so I don't get to many games, but sounds like you guys are putting effort into it. Keep it up, and thanks for your efforts.

[bannedforlife]

To help grow the game, my suggestion to quiet the haterz is for someone to tell TSN directors to not show anyone over 30 in crowd reaction shots. I'm seeing young people there and they keep showing close ups of old folks.

[bannedforlife]

To help grow the game, my suggestion to quiet the haterz is for someone to tell TSN directors to not show anyone over 30 in crowd reaction shots. I'm seeing young people there and they keep showing close ups of old folks.

Just watched Montreal vs Hamilton. I think somebody was listening

[Joe Barnes]

Just watched Montreal vs Hamilton. I think somebody was listening

I noticed that, as well. Lots of good looking, young people all the Als game last night. And TSN made a point of showing us as many as possible...

[bannedforlife]

And TSN made a point of showing us as many as possible...

They sure did!

[GregR]

Other than the score, I had a great time at the game. I agree the new Shipyard needs work. We ended up going back inside and ordering more expensive beer, rather than wait. It kind of gets lost in all of the usual fan traffic also. I thought maybe I had misinterpreted where the Shipyard was. Until I noticed the small temporary sign advertising cheap beer. Other than that it looked pretty much the same ass last year in the north area.