Argos Stadium Update

[Midnight Blue]

I'm of the opinion that a stadium should ideally be downtown. Most easily accessible from all points on the compass. Since the Skydome is going to be a no-go soon, is there room to build a stadium anywhere on the Exhibition grounds? Where the former casino was planned? Ontario Place is being renovated. How about a new Boat Stadium extending out into the Lake, south of Ontario Place? It would have clear plexiglass on the West/East sides, to offer a view of the lake, and protect from late-autumn winds. Covered seating areas (North and South sides - like Winnipeg), and oars in the water, to stabilize against sudden storms. Pricey? Yes. But problem solved.

(This was mentioned earlier in this thread.)


Ka' Pla !

[argos1873]

I'm just curious on what people's thoughts were, if MLSE (half owned by Bell BTW and yes half owned by Rogers) decided to purchase the Argos, retrofit BMO field, and place the Argos there? Is it a best of both worlds situation, or is the remedy worse than the illness? Would Argo fans accept this, given that the Argos would in fact be in their own stadium, or do fans believe that the Argos would still be 2nd class citizens in this renovated stadium.

[AngeloV]

I'm just curious on what people's thoughts were, if MLSE (half owned by Bell BTW and yes half owned by Rogers) decided to purchase the Argos, retrofit BMO field, and place the Argos there? Is it a best of both worlds situation, or is the remedy worse than the illness? Would Argo fans accept this, given that the Argos would in fact be in their own stadium, or do fans believe that the Argos would still be 2nd class citizens in this renovated stadium.

If that's what it took to play every game in front of a 25k+ capacity crowd, and they didn't F with the guys running the team, I would have absolutely no problem with it.

[argos1873]

If that's what it took to play every game in front of a 25k+ capacity crowd, and they didn't F with the guys running the team, I would have absolutely no problem with it.

My opinion too. So long as they didn't F with the team. Doesn't seem to be the way MLSE plays the game though does it? They seem to be stuffed with a lot of shirts who think they know better, but year after year are proven wrong, but still keep doing the same thing...scary. On the other hand, they market quite well.

[Midnight Blue]

I'm just curious on what people's thoughts were, if MLSE (half owned by Bell BTW and yes half owned by Rogers) decided to purchase the Argos, retrofit BMO field, and place the Argos there? Is it a best of both worlds situation, or is the remedy worse than the illness? Would Argo fans accept this, given that the Argos would in fact be in their own stadium, or do fans believe that the Argos would still be 2nd class citizens in this renovated stadium.

My first choice was always to tear down BMO and build a proper Football Stadium.

If Bell/Rogers took a serious interest in the Argos (?), and the Argos could have their choice of home games schedule, then it wouldn't be a problem. Maybe we could play a few exhibition games in Buffalo too....


BTW, the (Ontario Place) Argo Boat Stadium, would have aerodynamically-pointed stem/stern East-West plexiglass, to cut into the wind, since our prevailing wind is from the West, with East storms as well.

[shayman]

is there room to build a stadium anywhere on the Exhibition grounds?

I believe there is a stadium there already. And that there'd be little public appetite for any public investment in another one on the same site.

[shayman]

BTW, the (Ontario Place) Argo Boat Stadium, would have aerodynamically-pointed stem/stern East-West plexiglass, to cut into the wind, since our prevailing wind is from the West, with East storms as well.

that'd be fun. And we could sail the stadium to Kingston or Niagara-on-the-Lake for exhibition games in new locations.

[Midnight Blue]

that'd be fun. And we could sail the stadium to Kingston or Niagara-on-the-Lake for exhibition games in new locations.

Oh believe me (you know me), I've thought about that. And Hamilton could have used a sail-in Stadium this year. But the cost would probably be prohibitive (think oil-rigs, with lowered/raised legs/pods). Too bad we may not be around (unless reincarnation works) in the year 2200. But a Stadium south of Ontario Place, in the middle of the lake, would not only totally Rock, it would be a further step in the innovative tradition, that the Skydome began.


Ka' Pla !

[Midnight Blue]

Have we totally ruled out the Portlands area?

The arguments I've heard against it, are lack of public transit.

But the Ex, only has/had buses down Dufferin and down Bathurst, as well as a streetcar from the east.

Don't get me wrong, my above two choices (rebuilt BMO, or Argo Boat on the Lake) are still my two favourite choices, but there seems to be room around the former Hearn Generating Station, and perhaps even more room to expand South onto the Lake, if Ontario Place doesn't fly (or sail).



Ka' Pla !

[argolio]

Apparently the next Argo lease at the Dome will be for five years (2014-18). Will that guarantee all five years or can Rogers kick out the Argos early if they decide to install grass?

There has been a bit of speculation recently about the possibility of Toronto bidding for the 2024 Olympics, which, if it happens, could tie into a new stadium. Bids have to be in by 2015, and the IOC will choose a winner in 2017.

[ArgoRavi]

Apparently the next Argo lease at the Dome will be for five years (2014-18). Will that guarantee all five years or can Rogers kick out the Argos early if they decide to install grass?

There has been a bit of speculation recently about the possibility of Toronto bidding for the 2024 Olympics, which, if it happens, could tie into a new stadium. Bids have to be in by 2015, and the IOC will choose a winner in 2017.

Usually Olympics talk leads to NFL stadium talk. The Paul Godfreys of the city believe that this is the way that they can get their 80k NFL stadium paid for by taxpayers. I am not sure how or if the Argos would fit into any discussion around the Olympics which I doubt Toronto would win anyway.

[Midnight Blue]

Usually Olympics talk leads to NFL stadium talk. The Paul Godfreys of the city believe that this is the way that they can get their 80k NFL stadium paid for by taxpayers. I am not sure how or if the Argos would fit into any discussion around the Olympics which I doubt Toronto would win anyway.

Screw the Olympics --- the next Eastern CFL team should be in London, England, UK.


They're got the Stadium, the rowdy fans, and beer and (um) Kittens, galore !


Just thinkin' outside the box.


Cheer O !

And,


Ka' Pla !

[Mulder]

Have we totally ruled out the Portlands area?

The arguments I've heard against it, are lack of public transit.


Ka' Pla !

Just Public Transit? How about a facility that will have worse access than Winnipegs new stadium? Ford and Olympics wanted to put their stadium there? Ha! It's a pretty spot for a stadium. But that's about all.

[doubleblue]

I'm just curious on what people's thoughts were, if MLSE (half owned by Bell BTW and yes half owned by Rogers) decided to purchase the Argos, retrofit BMO field, and place the Argos there? Is it a best of both worlds situation, or is the remedy worse than the illness? Would Argo fans accept this, given that the Argos would in fact be in their own stadium, or do fans believe that the Argos would still be 2nd class citizens in this renovated stadium.

I don't know if Bell and Rogers will ever buy the Argos. Maybe they are waiting around to see if they can pick them up for nothing, but Bell (TSN) needs the Argos in Toronto because of the TV viewers. The Toronto area is still the big market for TV. I sometimes wonder how long the unholy alliance (as Bob McCowan calls them) will last. With a new NHL team eventually coming to Markham, I wonder if Rogers will take the new team and the Blue Jays under their umbrella and Bell keep the Leafs, TFC and purchase the Argos for their TSN coverage. Bell would have to pay Rogers their half of MLSE, then Rogers would have to pay Bell (MLSE) territorial rights and the expansion fee to the NHL. When all the dust settled they would both have their big ticket TV Sports programming. Bell (TSN) The Leafs and CFL while Rogers (Sportsnet) would have the new NHL team and Blue Jays. Makes a lot of sense to me. But we still haven't found out where the Argos are going to play. But IF Bell buys the Argos I would think they would somehow get BMO field reconfigured for the CFL. Paid for by three layers of Government of course.

[stuntdog]

I must also comment that at the Sask. game not one event was outside. No face painting, no beer tent, no cheerleaders, NOTHING. People want to go to a event, not just a game. I drive 1 1/2 hour to get there and all that was out side for entertainment were scalpers. Please give us a place where we can make our own game day experience. Argos if you don't want to be a joke, don't be a joke. I can't imagine going to a football game and the pre game atmosphere being so lame anywhere else. Nothing for kids to do.

"See You On the Field" was very popular with the kids and it used to be held after almost every home game but in recent years it's been getting much less frequent. No sign of it so far this season.

[BATKINSON001]

"See You On the Field" was very popular with the kids and it used to be held after almost every home game but in recent years it's been getting much less frequent. No sign of it so far this season.

There wont be any See You On The Field events due to this season being all night games.

[ArgoGabe22]

There wont be any See You On The Field events due to this season being all night games.

Majority of the "See You On The Field" were on night games with the odd Sunday afternoon.

[Midnight Blue]

Just Public Transit? How about a facility that will have worse access than Winnipegs new stadium? Ford and Olympics wanted to put their stadium there? Ha! It's a pretty spot for a stadium. But that's about all.

This has nothing to do with politics and/or the Olympics (at least to me). My point was that the Ex had access down Dufferin and Bathurst Sts., while the Portlands has (Don) Cherry St. and Leslie St. Both sites have lots of room for parking. Again, a new BMO Stadium would be ideal, but if we can't get that, and if The Argos need a new home soon, then the Portlands might be an option. Bars will pop up there, and maybe a hotel or two, so drunk Argo fans won't have to drive home after the game. Or we can always have ferry service (the boat variety), and fairy service (the winged variety), from say, the foot of Yonge St.


Karp' La !

[Midnight Blue]

Actually, if The Argos owned the Portlands area Stadium, besides a hotel, maybe they could have a camping area beside it. With admission to the game, free overnight camping. Friday night games would work in the summer, since many of us don't want to fight traffic Friday nights to cottage country, and leave Saturday before noon instead. Saturday night games in October and November.

Just think, the coolest tail-gate parties on the planet. No need to drink and drive. Hell, spend the entire weekend camping there, and dance, if all y'all want to....

Sure works for NASCAR.


Wanna put 50,000 people in the seats?

Midnight, is on the case.


On Her Majesty's Secret Service.


Ka' Pla !

[ArgoRavi]

Majority of the "See You On The Field" were on night games with the odd Sunday afternoon.

I am guessing that Rogers needs to convert the football field to something else very quickly which is why "See You On The Field" might be a thing of the past, for now at least.