Four Potential New Argo Owners

[Deerkeeper]

And 2015 will be the last in Rogers Playpen!? Take this for what it is.
http://www.tsn.ca/video/grey-cup-insider-trading-latest-from-around-the-cfl-1.145992

[Neely2005]

And 2015 will be the last in Rogers Playpen!? Take this for what it is.
http://www.tsn.ca/video/grey-cup-insider-trading-latest-from-around-the-cfl-1.145992

As per my account representative the Argonauts have to give Rogers about 12 months notice to break their lease early so they will probably be there for 2015 and 2016.

[rdavies]

I saw the interview and I don't care if it is rumour or BS, it is good news. We have to stop the negative vibes before it gets to the tipping point or point of no return and becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Just give us some hope that help is on the way, we've had enough bad news now we need some good.


As per my account representative the Argonauts have to give Rogers about 12 months notice to break their lease early so they will probably be there for 2015 and 2016.Didn't I read somewhere that Rogers would be quite flexible on that (in other words, they want them out the sooner the better)

[Neely2005]

Didn't I read somewhere that Rogers would be quite flexible on that (in other words, they want them out the sooner the better)

I'm not sure but remember that Rogers will also be losing the concessions, parking, rent... for 9 or 10 dates per season.

[Mightygoose]

Potential good news indeed. Still being guarded until it's announced a done deal.

If the lease gets done and they're BMO bound in 2016, I guess there's justification of the pricing increase next season.

[Neely2005]

Potential good news indeed. Still being guarded until it's announced a done deal.

If the lease gets done and they're BMO bound in 2016, I guess there's justification of the pricing increase next season.

Do you actually think that, that will stop them from raising prices again when they move to BMO Field? (Especially if MLSE buys them)

[Mightygoose]

If Braley is confident the lease will get done, the pricing increase for 2015 is just putting the cart before the horse IMO.

Once they're in BMO, I think they'll just increase pricing based on demand and hopefully the demand will be there...I think it will.

[Brian45]

If they announce a move for 2016 to BMO I will buy seasons at RC for 2015 as I have said I would for years. I have been waiting for this for 15 years (moving from Rogers Centre).

[Neely2005]

If they announce a move for 2016 to BMO I will buy seasons at RC for 2015 as I have said I would for years. I have been waiting for this for 15 years (moving from Rogers Centre).

As per my account representative when they move seat selection will probably be done based on how long you've had your season tickets. The longer you've had them the sooner you get to pick your new seats. (Must be consecutive seasons)

[Brian45]

That's okay I'm not picky :)

[AngeloV]

As per my account representative the Argonauts have to give Rogers about 12 months notice to break their lease early so they will probably be there for 2015 and 2016.

With all due respect to the Argos ticket sales account reps, they are lilkely not too involved in these types of negotiations, and I wouldn't take too much stock in what they have to say on this.


If Braley is confident the lease will get done, the pricing increase for 2015 is just putting the cart before the horse IMO.

Once they're in BMO, I think they'll just increase pricing based on demand and hopefully the demand will be there...I think it will.

I have no problem with price increase if there is a demand. I do have a problem with the price increases we have seen now, despite the fact that most of us already have an entire section to sit in by ourselves these day. That totally defeats the supply and demand principal.

[Neely2005]

With all due respect to the Argos ticket sales account reps, they are lilkely not too involved in these types of negotiations, and I wouldn't take too much stock in what they have to say on this.



I have no problem with price increase if there is a demand. I do have a problem with the price increases we have seen now, despite the fact that most of us already have an entire section to sit in by ourselves these day. That totally defeats the supply and demand principal.

You don't think that the account representatives would know that 12 months notice is required to leave the Rogers Centre? That doesn't seem like it would be top secret information to me.

[AngeloV]

You don't think that the account representatives would know that 12 months notice is required to leave the Rogers Centre? That doesn't seem like it would be top secret information to me.

No, I don't think account reps know anything involving the business of the team other than making ticket sales. They may hear some rumours floating around, but I highly doubt that David Braley or Chris Rudge get them in a meeting and explain to them what is going on with the details of the current lease.

[Neely2005]

No, I don't think account reps know anything involving the business of the team other than making ticket sales. They may hear some rumours floating around, but I highly doubt that David Braley or Chris Rudge get them in a meeting and explain to them what is going on with the details of the current lease.

Well given that it affects their ability to sell tickets it doesn't surprise me that they know.

[ArgoGabe22]

I posted something on twitter a few weeks back and just thinking out loud and said that when Cohon leaves as commissioner, why don't the Cohon family (McDonalds Canada & Russia) purchase the Argos?

Funny enough today someone asked him in the state of the league if he would be interested in ownership. Cohon responded that he would like to get into business but hasn't thought of CFL ownership. He mentioned if teams were having difficulty, that one day, he may try to help out in whatever way possible if they desired such help.

I would be in favour having Cohon as our owner but I don't think it'll happen. I originally just threw it out there and it seemed that someone in media was thinking the same or stole my thought.

[rdavies]

As someone who had a short stint in a call centre (the worst year of my life) I can attest that the people working there are often the last to know about what's going on and when you do find out it's in a very short team meeting (where you can't understand or learn it all) because they can't afford to have you off the phones for too long.

[Invader]

As per my account representative when they move seat selection will probably be done based on how long you've had your season tickets. The longer you've had them the sooner you get to pick your new seats. (Must be consecutive seasons)
It's fairly safe to assume anyone buying Argo seasons tickets in 2015 will be guaranteed a seat at BMO for 2016.*






* Capped at 19,000 season tickets with additional subscribers going on the waiting list.

[Neely2005]

As someone who had a short stint in a call centre (the worst year of my life) I can attest that the people working there are often the last to know about what's going on and when you do find out it's in a very short team meeting (where you can't understand or learn it all) because they can't afford to have you off the phones for too long.

Yes that was my experience when I worked in a call centre too. I'm not sure what that has to do with the Argonauts though?

[Neely2005]

It's fairly safe to assume anyone buying Argo seasons tickets in 2015 will be guaranteed a seat at BMO for 2016.*






* Capped at 19,000 season tickets with additional subscribers going on the waiting list.

I don't disagree but the longer that you've been a season ticket holder the earlier that you'll get to pick at BMO Field or wherever we end up.

[AngeloV]

Yes that was my experience when I worked in a call centre too. I'm not sure what that has to do with the Argonauts though?

I'm guessing he's basically calling Ticket reps glorified call center staff. Not too far off, really. It's all customer service.

[Neely2005]

I'm guessing he's basically calling Ticket reps glorified call center staff. Not too far off, really. It's all customer service.

They're closer to sales representatives than customer service representatives. And I don't think that they're are very many of them so it's not like it's some giant call centre where it's hard to advise all of the reps of information.

[paulwoods13]

I don't disagree but the longer that you've been a season ticket holder the earlier that you'll get to pick at BMO Field or wherever we end up.

Unless something changes drastically, it won't really matter. The best available evidence seems to suggest that the Argos have about 5,000 regular STHs (not including corporate accounts). Even if every one of them doubled the number of tickets purchased, the most recent STHs would still have access to very good seats. If and when the team moves into BMO, I will certainly be interested in upgrading my seats, and prepared to pay more than I am paying now.

[Neely2005]

Unless something changes drastically, it won't really matter. The best available evidence seems to suggest that the Argos have about 5,000 regular STHs (not including corporate accounts). Even if every one of them doubled the number of tickets purchased, the most recent STHs would still have access to very good seats. If and when the team moves into BMO, I will certainly be interested in upgrading my seats, and prepared to pay more than I am paying now.

Again I don't disagree but if you already plan to buy season tickets once the move out of the Rogers Centre is announced it would probably be better to do so now instead of holding off for another year. Even if you just buy Blues now and then upgrade at the new stadium.

[Stouffvillain]

If the Argos do go to BMO expect a significant increase in the season seat price. With the complaining going on around here about the increase I can't imagine people will be happy to see the BMO prices (especially if MLSE owns the team). I would expect that pricing would line up closer to what TFC are charging.

Golds in Skydome currently are listed at $709/seat. That same seat at BMO is around $1100 (for rows 1-20) and $900+ (for rows 20+). That is a very big jump.

[ArgoRavi]

Braley was just on TSN 1050 Radio with Dave Naylor and James Duthie. Here are the key points from his interview:

- Discussions have been continuing with MLSE over a lease agreement to play at BMO Field. These discussions went on this week and the week before and there has been a small amount of progress.
- It is possible for the Argos to play their final season at SkyDome in 2015 and then move into a renovated BMO Field for 2016 but Braley said he doesn't know when a lease deal will be finalized. It could happen in a week or another year.
- There are four entities interested in the ownership of the Argos. One is a local group that wants to turn the Argos into a non-profit corporation; another is a group that is interested in owning the Argos in the more traditional way; another is an American and the fourth is some other individual or group. The first three groups/individuals are only interested if the Argos can secure a lease deal at BMO. The fourth group or individual may feel the same way but ultimately would like to build their own stadium (sorry, but they already lose credibility with me right there).
- Braley says reports of him wanting to relinquish ownership in both the Argos and Lions by the time he is 75 were incorrect. He wants to unload both at some point though with Toronto being the first one he wants to get off his plate.
- The Argos fans have clearly spoken about how the team needs to be out of SkyDome.
- He sounded somewhat ornery throughout the interview but I am not sure that he doesn't always sound like that.

[Neely2005]

If the Argos do go to BMO expect a significant increase in the season seat price. With the complaining going on around here about the increase I can't imagine people will be happy to see the BMO prices (especially if MLSE owns the team). I would expect that pricing would line up closer to what TFC are charging.

Golds in Skydome currently are listed at $709/seat. That same seat at BMO is around $1100 (for rows 1-20) and $900+ (for rows 20+). That is a very big jump.

Is that for the same number of games? (10)

[ArgoRavi]

Is that for the same number of games? (10)

IIRC, TFC plays 16 home games in the MLS.

[Stouffvillain]

Is that for the same number of games? (10)

Good point. I didn't take into account the number of games. 17 regular season games and 1 to 2 cup games. Face value of the tickets are between $50 and $100.

[Invader]

I don't see the justification for a ticket price increase at BMO, moving from a half-billion dollar retractable-dome stadium with all the comforts and amenities...to a modest outdoor stadium albeit with better sight lines?...if anything, the prices should go down at BMO including beer.

The important thing is for the Argos to rebuild their season ticket base, back up to at least 15,000, which still might be the lowest in the league. To spur sales, the Argos could offer a substantial discount (30%) off single-game ticket prices for 2015 at RC, then guarantee the same price and preferential choice of seats at BMO for 2016. If ST sales lag, they could offer 5-Packs which would reserve the purchaser a 5-Pack at BMO, with choice of the best available games and seats (after the tenured ST-holders had their choice, of course.)

[argotom]

Braley was just on TSN 1050 Radio with Dave Naylor and James Duthie. Here are the key points from his interview:

- Discussions have been continuing with MLSE over a lease agreement to play at BMO Field. These discussions went on this week and the week before and there has been a small amount of progress.
- It is possible for the Argos to play their final season at SkyDome in 2015 and then move into a renovated BMO Field for 2016 but Braley said he doesn't know when a lease deal will be finalized. It could happen in a week or another year.
- There are four entities interested in the ownership of the Argos. One is a local group that wants to turn the Argos into a non-profit corporation; another is a group that is interested in owning the Argos in the more traditional way; another is an American and the fourth is some other individual or group. The first three groups/individuals are only interested if the Argos can secure a lease deal at BMO. The fourth group or individual may feel the same way but ultimately would like to build their own stadium (sorry, but they already lose credibility with me right there).
- Braley says reports of him wanting to relinquish ownership in both the Argos and Lions by the time he is 75 were incorrect. He wants to unload both at some point though with Toronto being the first one he wants to get off his plate.
- The Argos fans have clearly spoken about how the team needs to be out of SkyDome.
- He sounded somewhat ornery throughout the interview but I am not sure that he doesn't always sound like that.



I am not so sure about the stadium part Ravi!
Mississauga has always been rumoured with Argos in the picture.
In Gary Lawless piece from Vancouver he mentions and it's quite true how most of our fans are from the 905 instead of the 416.
So with a wealthy owner there could be something in play here.
Consider what the heavyweights in Ottawa have done.
Involving the mega project of an intimate stadium, with shopping, entertainment and condo possibility?
It may actually fly!

[doubleblue]

Bon Jovi. lol

[rdavies]

Consider what the heavyweights in Ottawa have done. Involving the mega project of an intimate stadium, with shopping, entertainment and condo possibility? It may actually fly!Braley's thoughts on the new Hamilton stadium (foretelling how a new Toronto stadium should be built?)

Braley says Pan Am stadium in wrong location (http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news/braley-says-pan-am-stadium-in-wrong-location/)
Kevin Werner, Hamilton News Staff September, 19, 2013

The Burlington resident and Ontario senator told about 60 people during a fundraising event Sept. 18 (2013) at the Lakeview on Van Wagner’s Beach Road, said if Confederation wasn’t available, then the next option should have been to drop it on 100 acres of land, and then add commercial and retail buildings, including a hotel, to support it. He said it would have benefited the city’s business community, and for Hamilton’s economic development sector.

“We should have developed the land with retail, and hotels” (that other municipalities have done, including Ottawa), said Braley.

[AngeloV]

I don't see the justification for a ticket price increase at BMO, moving from a half-billion dollar retractable-dome stadium with all the comforts and amenities...to a modest outdoor stadium albeit with better sight lines?...if anything, the prices should go down at BMO including beer.

The important thing is for the Argos to rebuild their season ticket base, back up to at least 15,000, which still might be the lowest in the league. To spur sales, the Argos could offer a substantial discount (30%) off single-game ticket prices for 2015 at RC, then guarantee the same price and preferential choice of seats at BMO for 2016. If ST sales lag, they could offer 5-Packs which would reserve the purchaser a 5-Pack at BMO, with choice of the best available games and seats (after the tenured ST-holders had their choice, of course.)

The only justification for ticket price increases is an increase for demand. If moving to BMO means games are sell outs, then yes there is justification for an increase in prices.

[Neely2005]

I am not so sure about the stadium part Ravi!
Mississauga has always been rumoured with Argos in the picture.
In Gary Lawless piece from Vancouver he mentions and it's quite true how most of our fans are from the 905 instead of the 416.
So with a wealthy owner there could be something in play here.
Consider what the heavyweights in Ottawa have done.
Involving the mega project of an intimate stadium, with shopping, entertainment and condo possibility?
It may actually fly!

Judging from the Lawless article, what Argonauts account representatives have told us and even our own unscientific poll it seems factual to me that most Argonauts fans live in the 905 Area Code:

http://www.argofans.com/showthread.php?2747-Where-do-ARGOFANS-reside-(Revised-Poll)

This quote is from Braley in an older article:

"What we intend to do is have a 27-29 thousand seat stadium in all likelihood in north Toronto, Vaughan, Markham maybe Mississauga and the plans are being worked on outside the Argonauts themselves, they're to sell tickets and put the house in order for the team. Outside I have my construction companies working on where we would be and where we could set up and where we could build a stadium and who's gonna fund it."

[paulwoods13]

". . . and who's gonna fund it."

Add a question mark to that and we are right back where we have been for the past several years. Braley is clearly is not gonna fund it, and neither is government. That leaves . . .

[Neely2005]

The only justification for ticket price increases is an increase for demand. If moving to BMO means games are sell outs, then yes there is justification for an increase in prices.

Given this years / last years price increase apparently Braley disagrees with you. :-)

[Neely2005]

Add a question mark to that and we are right back where we have been for the past several years. Braley is clearly is not gonna fund it, and neither is government. That leaves . . .

That leaves the mistake by the lake part 2.

[Argo57]

Given this years / last years price increase apparently Braley disagrees with you. :-)

Which shows how out of touch Braley truly is.
The Argonauts should be bending over backwards to not only retain but expand their fragile season ticket base and a price increase seems rather bizarre at this point.
Skydome was like a morgue at several games this season with 15k or so fans where are we trending next season, 10-12k per game??
I'm with Angelo on this, freeze ticket prices now and perhaps for the first season or two in the new stadium, create a positive game day experience then you look at increasing your prices.

[HereComeTheIrish]

Rogers will be lenient with the whole lease busting thing. They want them outta the dome, and the way they see it, the sooner the better.