The reasoning behind the article on the schedule

[Mike Hogan]

Hey gang;

I thought I'd post my story on the Argos schedule here, and explain why I wrote it the way I did.

For years the Argo/Ticat rivalry was huge, but for most of the time after 2000 the rivalry shifted, certainly among the players. The Ticats were easy pickings for a long time while the Toronto hatred was completely centred on Les Alouettes de Montreal.

Now that the Als are in a down cycle and the Ticats have been better, it's time to rekindle the QEW rivally, especially from the Argos side. Let's have some fun with this thing again. Heckle the Cats, poke them for their inability to win a Cup, have a beer with the Hamilton fans before the game and after it's over. Emphasise the "friendly" portion of the friendly (but fierce) rivalry.

Leave the physical crap for the idiot element at THF on Labour Day.

Let's pack BMO Field for the home opener.

This is my first attempt to poke the bear. Trust me, there will be a lot more of that to come.

Enjoy.

Hogan

https://www.argonauts.ca/2018/12/20/hogan-argos-schedule-offers-bit-everything/

[Neely2005]

Humorous read Hoagie!
:-)

Please tell MLSE to stop giving away home games. We've given away enough home games over the years. We've done our part at previous editions of Touchdown Atlantic, Fort McMurray...

[BATKINSON001]

Well written Mike.

[Will]

I enjoyed the article.
Good natured ribbing is an expected part of the rivalry.

[Argonut1996]

Love the article and positive outlook Mike.

[West Coast Boatman]

Hey gang;

I thought I'd post my story on the Argos schedule here, and explain why I wrote it the way I did.

For years the Argo/Ticat rivalry was huge, but for most of the time after 2000 the rivalry shifted, certainly among the players. The Ticats were easy pickings for a long time while the Toronto hatred was completely centred on Les Alouettes de Montreal.

Now that the Als are in a down cycle and the Ticats have been better, it's time to rekindle the QEW rivally, especially from the Argos side. Let's have some fun with this thing again. Heckle the Cats, poke them for their inability to win a Cup, have a beer with the Hamilton fans before the game and after it's over. Emphasise the "friendly" portion of the friendly (but fierce) rivalry.

Leave the physical crap for the idiot element at THF on Labour Day.

Let's pack BMO Field for the home opener.

This is my first attempt to poke the bear. Trust me, there will be a lot more of that to come.

Enjoy.

Hogan

https://www.argonauts.ca/2018/12/20/hogan-argos-schedule-offers-bit-everything/

I applaud this. Great work, Hogie!

[Will]

Mike, you also raise an interesting point about the shift in Argos' fans hostility.

For an older generation, the rivalry between the Argos and Ticats was intense, and unfortunately it seemed like in the 60's and 70's, the Argos were on the losing end of many games.

I'm 31, and the Ticats have only won 1 Grey Cup in my lifetime, and from 2001-2008 were a horrible team. Yes, I dislike the Alouettes probably more than the Ticats at this point.

[1971GreyCup]

Until BMO attendance picks up, the Argos will be the obvious choice for out-of-town games. For purely economic reasons. Expect the Argos to play in Mexico City when the inaugural game is scheduled as well.

[Joe Barnes]

Until BMO attendance picks up, the Argos will be the obvious choice for out-of-town games. For purely economic reasons. Expect the Argos to play in Mexico City when the inaugural game is scheduled as well.

Another reason is that, despite our poor in-stadium attendance, the Argos are a good draw on TV, so are naturally attractive as a participant in these special kind of games.

[Neely2005]

Honestly I don't care. You don't build a fanbase by having less games for fans to attend. Why risk alienating the fans that you do have? Especially after marketing a 9 regular season games season ticket package.

Losing a home game to promote the league should be spread throughout the league. The default position shouldn't always be take an Argonauts home game.

[Neely2005]

Just a FYI Hoagie, your mailbox is full so I can't reply.
:-)

[Mike Hogan]

Try it now.

[GregR]

Great article Mike

[Topshelf]

Looks like the Argos are still experimenting with a game time that works for the fans. Not many late afternoon tilts.
Having lived both in Liberty Village, and commuted to games from the west end, traffic is becoming a huge issue.
MLSE should look to hiring a bunch of paid duty police to try to enhance traffic flow for both Argos and TFC games.
6 new condos are going up in Liberty, Strachan is still one lane, evenings you run into conflicts with concerts as well.
While the GO train stops at the doors, there is no easy ttc access.
I know we talk a lot about in stadium experience, but the experience of getting to and from the stadium is a big issue keeping many fans in front of their tvs

[lazycro]

Looks like the Argos are still experimenting with a game time that works for the fans. Not many late afternoon tilts.
Having lived both in Liberty Village, and commuted to games from the west end, traffic is becoming a huge issue.
MLSE should look to hiring a bunch of paid duty police to try to enhance traffic flow for both Argos and TFC games.
6 new condos are going up in Liberty, Strachan is still one lane, evenings you run into conflicts with concerts as well.
While the GO train stops at the doors, there is no easy ttc access.
I know we talk a lot about in stadium experience, but the experience of getting to and from the stadium is a big issue keeping many fans in front of their tvs

With MLSE partnering with UBER I would expect we'll see some sort of discount for those heading to the game via UBER etc as well.

[Neely2005]

Looks like the Argos are still experimenting with a game time that works for the fans. Not many late afternoon tilts.
Having lived both in Liberty Village, and commuted to games from the west end, traffic is becoming a huge issue.
MLSE should look to hiring a bunch of paid duty police to try to enhance traffic flow for both Argos and TFC games.
6 new condos are going up in Liberty, Strachan is still one lane, evenings you run into conflicts with concerts as well.
While the GO train stops at the doors, there is no easy ttc access.
I know we talk a lot about in stadium experience, but the experience of getting to and from the stadium is a big issue keeping many fans in front of their tvs

4PM Kickoffs on Saturdays and Sundays are our ideal game time.