New Stadium Locations

[ArgoRavi]

One option is to build the new Argos stadium in stages, much like BMO which cost $63M to build in 2007 with 20,000 seats.

The Argos could erect temporary grandstands around their practice field in Downsview (the site looks like it was pre-designed to accommodate grandstands). The Lions built a 27,500-seat temporary stadium for a reported $14.4 million in 2009. At least in Downsview the Fieldturf field and Argo locker rooms are already in-place, so a 20,000-seat grandstand might cost only $10 million. Then in the next year or two a permanent 12,500-seat concrete grandstand could be built on one side. Then in another year or two a permanent grandstand could be built on the other side (with private boxes, club seating, lounges, ect.) The eventual cost might total $120M (similar to Hamilton's THF construction cost) but phased in over 10 years, for example, as finances and fan interest warrant.

Within 10 years Toronto might realize the city needs a football stadium (with RC and BMO restricted to baseball & soccer) or there could be an international sports event which would warrant the city/prov/feds investing in an outdoor stadium in Toronto. While minimalistic at first, at least the Argos would have a place to play and be in position to expand their stadium as needed.

Of course the Argos would have to negotiate a long-term lease for the property but I believe a stadium has been pre-approved in that location (after MLSE had done preparatory work for a proposed NFL stadium there). The advantage for MLSE is added revenue, while keeping their cherished BMO a natural-grass soccer-only jewel.

Again, who will pay for this temporary stadium at Downsview that you speak of? It won't be any level of government and it won't be David Braley. Who is left?

[hugoagogo]

Again, who will pay for this temporary stadium at Downsview that you speak of? It won't be any level of government and it won't be David Braley. Who is left?

Lotto Max is 50 mil next Friday

[Invader]

Again, who will pay for this temporary stadium at Downsview that you speak of? It won't be any level of government and it won't be David Braley. Who is left?

I projected the cost of a 20,000-seat temporary grandstand at Downsview at $10M (the Lions built a 27,500-seat temp. stadium for $14.4M which included FieldTurf and locker rooms, which are already in place at Downsview).

There were several posters on this forum who suggested the Argos, Braley or CFL should give $10M to MLSE to facilitate BMO's renovation. Few said that that was impossible? At Downsview, the Argos would have their own stadium, own signage, sponsorship and naming rights revenue. MLSE might be enticed by controlling 5,000 parking spots on the site, for example, not only for Argo games but concerts, community events, Vanier Cups, Grey Cups, Rugby nationals, CSA (who are teaming up with the CFL to launch a new Canadian soccer league), Metro and College Bowls (which require a CFL field) etc.

There are almost no events other than TFC games at BMO due to their restrictive union contracts and desire not to damage their grass field. Truly there is a need for a outdoor football stadium in Toronto.

Build it and they will come!

I guess if the Argos can't invest $10M or have some level of government chip in, they don't deserve to exist, I guess. Even the Ticats ($25M), Riders ($40M), Bombers ($100M), Als (approx. $10M) made cash investments towards their new stadiums...the Argos should be no different.

Another option is for the Argos to borrow the money, like the Bombers did. The Riders and Esks are sitting on about $100M in cash reserves, perhaps they could loan the Argos the money? Or introduce a revenue-sharing plan in the CFL which would see the more successful teams support the "small-markets?" Other leagues do this, why not the CFL?

The CFL having a team in Toronto is crucial for the league and TSN's TV contract. Coming up with $10M to provide the Argos with a stadium to play in should not be prohibitive for the franchise to remain in business. What's the alternative? No football stadium and no football team in the 4th-biggest TV market in North America?

[paulwoods13]

I projected the cost of a 20,000-seat temporary grandstand at Downsview at $10M (the Lions built a 27,500-seat temp. stadium for $14.4M which included FieldTurf and locker rooms, which are already in place at Downsview).

Since you keep raising this, let me keep raising my response. The temporary stadium the Lions used was not even remotely close to CFL-calibre. Fully half of the seats -- yes, half -- were BEHIND THE GOAL LINES. And of course washrooms were in portables, few concession stands, etc. It was a useful short-term measure that was needed during a stadium reno, but if anyone tried to build that as a permanent home for the Argos, the franchise would be dead three years later.