Toronto's BMO Field undergoes transformation into a hybrid playing surface

[AngeloV]

I never get this part. Why do WE have to focus on increasing attendance? The team does and is doing that. They said last year it'll take at least 10 years. We're 1.3 years into that plan and all freakouts are occurring. (ok, my bad. The freakouts have occurred every week since they said 10 years)

rant: It's gotta be disheartening for team "brass" constantly read all this negative BS about attendance. It'll get handled eventually. They're working on it.

Lighten up Ron. It's the team the majority of us on this site cheer for. Many people refer to their favourite team as We.

[Argo57]

I never get this part. Why do WE have to focus on increasing attendance? The team does and is doing that. They said last year it'll take at least 10 years. We're 1.3 years into that plan and all freakouts are occurring. (ok, my bad. The freakouts have occurred every week since they said 10 years)

rant: It's gotta be disheartening for team "brass" constantly read all this negative BS about attendance. It'll get handled eventually. They're working on it.

I suspect the vast majority of fans who post here are season ticket holders or at the very least regularly attend Argo games.
Commenting and expressing concern actually tells the organization that there are still fans who are emotionally invested in this franchise and give a shit about this team which beats apathy and indifference which is the worst thing that could happen.
Respectful and constructive rants are welcome IMO.

[Joe Barnes]

So, about that new hybrid grass...it seemed to hold up very well in that rain on Saturday. In the Argos two games, and the brief looks I've taken of TFC's recent matches, it seems MLSE's investment was a good one. The field looks great, is holding up with few apparent divots, and the new prescription turf end zones blend almost seamlessly, IMO (the players are also not slipping as soon as they enter the North end zone - a huge improvement. So a win for all parties, it would seem.

[gee]

I was at the Wolfpack game on Saturday at Lamport, my first Rugby game. Nice compact stadium that seats 10k but with temp seats in the east end zone they could get probably get seating up to 15k. Might be a good home for the Argos, except for the "all-bench" seating. The Argos have been averaging less than 15k for the last 3 season and probably the same this season. Crowds of 12k to 15k in a 26k stadium is not good.

I cannot comment on the appropriateness of Lamport (I see comments that the place is a dump) and I know that ship has sailed many years ago. but I don't dislike the idea of a compact stadium. just for discussion, would alternatives to conventional stadium expansion be feasible on the site? something like the Wrigleyville Rooftops could give the argos a cool niche atmosphere and provide an opportunity for MLSE to expand their commercial portfolio with bars and restaurants that add to the neighbourhood.

rooftop.jpg

[ArgoZ]

There is condos that look into Lamport! Seriously though, one walk around the stadium will answer all questions and show how silly any of this discussion is.

[Mike Hogan]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

[Will]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

Well said!

[Neely2005]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

Lamport is only a thing for the TFC Trolls that are upset about having to share the City Owned BMO Field. The bench seating at Lamport can only accommodate about 9500 fans. The Argonauts average attendance last season was Over 14,000. Anyone with half a brain knows that Lamport isn't an option.

[Joe Barnes]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

Thanks, Mike - you are right BMO is excellent and Lamport is...not. As I said, the new field looks great and I'm glad to hear the players like it. That is the most important thing.

[gilthethrill]

Lamport is only a thing for the TFC Trolls that are upset about having to share the City Owned BMO Field. The bench seating at Lamport can only accommodate about 9500 fans. The Argonauts average attendance last season was Over 14,000. Anyone with half a brain knows that Lamport isn't an option.

But Neeley don't forget about putting temporary stands in the End Zone at Lamport!!! Lol.

[Argo57]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

Lamport is “a thing” for one 🤡

[Neely2005]

But Neeley don't forget about putting temporary stands in the End Zone at Lamport!!! Lol.

Lol, so in the middle of King Street?
:-)

[bannedforlife]

Hang on, the Argos have a spectacular stadium, the sight lines are the best in the league, the amenities are fabulous, the locker room first rate, and they play on a $2,000,000 playing field (which the players are raving about to get back to the initial theme of the post)...and Lamport is a thing? Excuse me while I go and bang my head against a brick wall for a couple of hours.

Lest anyone forget, this whole Lamport non issue was begun by a Tword, nuf ced.

[Will]

Lest anyone forget, this whole Lamport non issue was begun by a Tword, nuf ced.

Who has now been punted from the site. The thread should now go back to discussions regarding the new playing surface at BMO Field.

[doubleblue]

So, about that new hybrid grass...it seemed to hold up very well in that rain on Saturday. In the Argos two games, and the brief looks I've taken of TFC's recent matches, it seems MLSE's investment was a good one. The field looks great, is holding up with few apparent divots, and the new prescription turf end zones blend almost seamlessly, IMO (the players are also not slipping as soon as they enter the North end zone - a huge improvement. So a win for all parties, it would seem.

Getting back to the original topic, I was impressed with the new turf and end zone after seeing it up close the first two games.

[GregR]

BMO is a great place to watch the Argos. Everyone I take there has a great time. Lamport would be gross in its current state. It works for the Wolf Pack for now, but would need a ton of work.

[bannedforlife]

I don't know, so I'll ask, is the new artificial end zone a FieldTurf TM like surface but the old was kind of like first generation artificial turf? Was that true and if so why was that crappy surface used in the first place because there would be a huge difference between that and turf. There would bound to be slips and falls.

[Neely2005]

I don't know, so I'll ask, is the new artificial end zone a FieldTurf TM like surface but the old was kind of like first generation artificial turf? Was that true and if so why was that crappy surface used in the first place because there would be a huge difference between that and turf. There would bound to be slips and falls.

There's some details in the Link in the OP of this Thread.