Just let me re enter the durn stadium

["Issues"Mcgee]

Honestly for a team that is struggling to get butts in seats I see no conceivable reason to deny re entry. Every stadium in this city feels like a prison and last season BMO jumped on that paddy wagon.

There are plenty of stadiums in North America that allow in and out, and not many of them are in no man's land like BMO. Most of them are surrounded by businesses that offer more reasonable prices but the stadium experience is far better.

As for security purposes, come on! Nobody is attacking an Argos game. Nobody. Most of us Argo fans look like we've been leveled already anyway.

If BMO allows re entry again, it will only increase ticket sales.

[paulwoods13]

What is the purpose of leaving and returning? Is there somewhere to go outside the walls?

[gilthethrill]

I only leave my seat at half time to be honest.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

Honestly for a team that is struggling to get butts in seats I see no conceivable reason to deny re entry. Every stadium in this city feels like a prison and last season BMO jumped on that paddy wagon.

There are plenty of stadiums in North America that allow in and out, and not many of them are in no man's land like BMO. Most of them are surrounded by businesses that offer more reasonable prices but the stadium experience is far better.

As for security purposes, come on! Nobody is attacking an Argos game. Nobody. Most of us Argo fans look like we've been leveled already anyway.

If BMO allows re entry again, it will only increase ticket sales.

There was re-entry at BMO during the first decade. For TFC you could exit at the half, go back to your car and drink a beer or hack a dart.

Its only in the last 2 years there is no re-entry. Probably more to do with security in this day and age than anything. No one is attacking an Argos game but MLSE needs to establish a consistent stadium policy for both teams that play there.

["Issues"Mcgee]

What is the purpose of leaving and returning? Is there somewhere to go outside the walls?

After two and a half hours of screaming my face off I like to get out of the crowd and leave the stadium at half time to relax and look at the lake. I drop thousands of dollars on this organization every year it is within my right to gripe about this.

All I'm saying is if you allow in and out you will sell more tickets. There is no way you would sell less.

Exactly why does MLSE need a blanket policy for every event? I know it sounds neat but I don't see an actual concrete reason why that needs to be the case.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

After two and a half hours of screaming my face off I like to get out of the crowd and leave the stadium at half time to relax and look at the lake. I drop thousands of dollars on this organization every year it is within my right to gripe about this.

All I'm saying is if you allow in and out you will sell more tickets. There is no way you would sell less.

Exactly why does MLSE need a blanket policy for every event? I know it sounds neat but I don't see an actual concrete reason why that needs to be the case.

Logistical reasons. Think training of security staff. In-and-out privileges would do S-F-A to increase Argos attendance. Because a dozen people can go have a smoke on the sidewalk is not game-changing marketing point.

[Wobbler]

...last season BMO jumped on that paddy wagon.
So long as there is a provision for emergencies I don't see this as a major problem, but I do appreciate your bandwagon/paddywagon joke (pun?). Nice.

[AngeloV]

All I'm saying is if you allow in and out you will sell more tickets. There is no way you would sell less.



Of course you would not sell less, but do you really think it would result in more ticket sales? I sure don't.

["Issues"Mcgee]

Logistical reasons. Think training of security staff. In-and-out privileges would do S-F-A to increase Argos attendance. Because a dozen people can go have a smoke on the sidewalk is not game-changing marketing point.

It's not about smoking at all. Yes I do smoke but I certainly can go longer than five hours without a dart. If my beef with in and out, or lack thereof, was solely dependant on smoking, I would never go to games in the first place because it's much more comfortable to in that regard to watch football at home.

My father will not go games because of no re entry. Same reason he just wants some space at HT. So there's one. Considering there are millions in the GTA, I can say with confidence I am sure he's not the only one.

As for training security, you have to train them anyway. We're not putting people on the moon here. If Progressive Field can accomplish it during sold out games, I'm sure it is within our grasp.

[paulwoods13]

Of course you would not sell less, but do you really think it would result in more ticket sales? I sure don't.
I agree. Can't imagine anyone decides against buying a ticket to a sporting event because they won't be allowed to leave that event for a few minutes.

[CFLfan]

My father will not go games because of no re entry. Same reason he just wants some space at HT. So there's one. Considering there are millions in the GTA, I can say with confidence I am sure he's not the only one.
.

He wants plenty of space at HT? has he been to an Argo game? there's always plenty of space in the stadium.
I applaud MLSE for doing this, maybe it's their attempt to do their bit about cutting down smoking. If you want to go out and smoke, you don't get back in.

[OV Argo]

It's not about smoking at all. Yes I do smoke but I certainly can go longer than five hours without a dart. If my beef with in and out, or lack thereof, was solely dependant on smoking, I would never go to games in the first place because it's much more comfortable to in that regard to watch football at home.

My father will not go games because of no re entry. Same reason he just wants some space at HT. So there's one. Considering there are millions in the GTA, I can say with confidence I am sure he's not the only one.

As for training security, you have to train them anyway. We're not putting people on the moon here. If Progressive Field can accomplish it during sold out games, I'm sure it is within our grasp.


Agreed 100% = should be do-able - maybe I want to go out for a short walk, a smoke, to buy a sub or burger down the road - whatever = that's my business and i paid decent buck$ to get in the joint, why can't i go out and return with proof I paid to enter in the first place ?; but don't question big brother / the righteous corporations & bean counters who know best . ;o)

["Issues"Mcgee]

He wants plenty of space at HT? has he been to an Argo game? there's always plenty of space in the stadium.
I applaud MLSE for doing this, maybe it's their attempt to do their bit about cutting down smoking. If you want to go out and smoke, you don't get back in.

Some people who are paying customers want to leave the stadium and come back. Sure, you don't but you are you.

Like I said, this isn't about smoking but let's talk smoking.

In my humble opinion, this is the worst possible summer, from a business stand point, to take a hardline stance on smoking.

A reoccuring theme on these boards has been "why oh why can we not get more young people?" Guess what young people like to do? Vape and smoke dope. Guess what is legal now? Dope! You're shutting out a legit demographic.

It's not right, but a lot of young people don't want to do anything if it doesn't involve vaping or getting high. That's just a fact.

Obviously it brings you great joy to see smokers go through that "smoke and your not included" mentality but that's not the right attitude if your job is to serve people and make them feel comfortable. You cannot run a successful business on moral stances.

[Ron]

It's silly in this day and age to remotely think that no one will attack an Argos game. There have been many attacks in the world over the years that fit the idea of "nobody would ever attack ____."

That said. I see no reason there can't be re-entry. Even make it at just one gate.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

Agreed 100% = should be do-able - maybe I want to go out for a short walk, a smoke, to buy a sub or burger down the road - whatever = that's my business and i paid decent buck$ to get in the joint, why can't i go out and return with proof I paid to enter in the first place ?; but don't question big brother / the righteous corporations & bean counters who know best . ;o)

There is nowhere to buy a sub or burger within 20 minutes walking distance of BMO. As for "space" at half-time just take a walk along the upper east side concourse, nobody up there.

[1971GreyCup]

Maybe some want to head back to their car for a couple of beers?

[lazycro]

There is nowhere to buy a sub or burger within 20 minutes walking distance of BMO. As for "space" at half-time just take a walk along the upper east side concourse, nobody up there.

?

It takes me about 10 minutes to walk to the crappy hero burger in Lib Village.

[Will]

?

It takes me about 10 minutes to walk to the crappy hero burger in Lib Village.

Halftime is 15 minutes

[lazycro]

Halftime is 15 minutes

That wasn't their comment though :)

[AngeloV]

Maybe some want to head back to their car for a couple of beers?

My response to that would be maybe some have a problem they should be seeking help for.

[Antwon]

Maybe some want to head back to their car for a couple of beers?

The number of people who would not attend an Argo game based on no in/out privileges is pretty small and not worth the worry. The Leafs, Raptors and TFC fans seem to accept it!
With tailgating legal, the last thing any team wants is fans going back out for a beer! Obviously they want you in the stadium. Secondly allowing people out at half time could cause lineups with security to get back in….and miss the start of the second half.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

Maybe some want to head back to their car for a couple of beers?

Could save a lot of money:snack:.

But now there's $5 beers.

["Issues"Mcgee]

Head back to your car to warm up at half time during late October or early November games? During the East final two years ago my better half and I griped that we should have taken the car instead of the GO for that reason. We promised next time we would. Next time never happened.

Here's an angle: "You are the lifeblood of our organization and we choose not to treat you like cattle."

[1971GreyCup]

I’m not advocating beer or food consumption at half time and wouldn’t want to miss even one play, but there are borderline fans out there less committed. Similar to the corporate fans at the Leaf games. You’ll notice the lower bowl is often mostly empty for a long period of time at the start of the period. They’re consuming free food and booze and don’t really care about the game at hand.

In this new era or security I doubt we’ll ever back off restrictions, but see more and more.

[gilthethrill]

Head back to your car to warm up at half time during late October or early November games? During the East final two years ago my better half and I griped that we should have taken the car instead of the GO for that reason. We promised next time we would. Next time never happened.

Here's an angle: "You are the lifeblood of our organization and we choose not to treat you like cattle."

As pointed out earlier, half time is 15 minutes. By the time you get to your car, how long can you sit in it to warm up on a cold day (since the move to BMO the weather has been very good)? I barely have time to hit the mens room and chat with buddies on the concourse. The people working security at stadiums don't have it easy, I don't think they need the additional task of dealing with fans re entering the venue.

As a long time fan of the Argos, I feel I have been treated very well each season.

["Issues"Mcgee]

As pointed out earlier, half time is 15 minutes. By the time you get to your car, how long can you sit in it to warm up on a cold day (since the move to BMO the weather has been very good)? I barely have time to hit the mens room and chat with buddies on the concourse. The people working security at stadiums don't have it easy, I don't think they need the additional task of dealing with fans re entering the venue.

As a long time fan of the Argos, I feel I have been treated very well each season.

Well no I've seen a lot of cars within a one minute walk of the stadium, so I'm not exactly sure what you mean. As for the security personel, I am sure they have bounced for an event or a concert that has in and out.

Most events in the city work that way. I have been to Rebel and they let people out to smoke. No wonder the youngins are going to concerts instead of sporting events.

We are all going to buy Argos tickets, so it's easy for us to tell the casuals:

"No you should just enjoy the game like we do!"

or my personal favourite argument:

"What!? You want more access to water? In my day we never drank water!"

Do you realize that if you are going to go to Argos games every year and always that your opinion means next to nothing?

I want to hear the opinions of people who might show up to an Argos game, not people like us who show up regardless of the abuse we recieve.

Edit: All i'm saying is, I have no idea why people are arguing to make Argos games less accessible. I really don't.

[Mike Hogan]

"Issues".

There's one thing I do want to comment on (FTR I have no idea about why stadiums have an in/out policy, but I can find out).

When you say "Do you realize that if you are going to go to Argos games every year and always that your opinion means next to nothing? " you couldn't be further from the truth.

I came on THIS SITE and asked people if they had any suggestions about how to make games better. EVERY ONE of those suggestions, no matter how extreme they were, was seen by multiple people in management positions and some of them have been implemented for this year. We also had a sit down over a beer with representatives from the major fan groups and did likewise.

If you can name another team that has been more pro-active with its fan base in terms of eagerly listening and acting on suggestions I'd love to hear who it is and I'll reach out and try to learn from them. This was MLSE's first full off-season and much of it was spent on trying to improve the in-game experience for fans. You'll find out about these improvements closer to the home opener.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the season. I'll try to find out about the reason for the policy.

Cheers.

Hogan

[Wobbler]

Edit: All i'm saying is, I have no idea why people are arguing to make Argos games less accessible. I really don't.
I think we're all sympathetic to your desire for this policy change, but no one else is seeing a personal benefit and the argument for ticket sales seems weak. Forget us randos, though; you've gotten Hogie's attention, which is actually worth something. :)

[Mike Hogan]

I think we're all sympathetic to your desire for this policy change, but no one else is seeing a personal benefit and the argument for ticket sales seems weak. Forget us randos, though; you've gotten Hogie's attention, which is actually worth something. :)

Can you tell my wife that? LOL

[paulwoods13]

I personally don't care whether or not fans are allowed to leave and return. But I don't buy the notion that allowing that would increase ticket sales by any more than a handful -- far too few to be material, imo.

[AngeloV]

I personally don't care whether or not fans are allowed to leave and return. But I don't buy the notion that allowing that would increase ticket sales by any more than a handful -- far too few to be material, imo.

My feelings exactly.

[Neely2005]

Some people who are paying customers want to leave the stadium and come back. Sure, you don't but you are you.

Like I said, this isn't about smoking but let's talk smoking.

In my humble opinion, this is the worst possible summer, from a business stand point, to take a hardline stance on smoking.

A reoccuring theme on these boards has been "why oh why can we not get more young people?" Guess what young people like to do? Vape and smoke dope. Guess what is legal now? Dope! You're shutting out a legit demographic.

It's not right, but a lot of young people don't want to do anything if it doesn't involve vaping or getting high. That's just a fact.

Obviously it brings you great joy to see smokers go through that "smoke and your not included" mentality but that's not the right attitude if your job is to serve people and make them feel comfortable. You cannot run a successful business on moral stances.

You can't be serious.

[Neely2005]

What sports teams currently allow re-entry?

[Neely2005]

Do you realize that if you are going to go to Argos games every year and always that your opinion means next to nothing?


So the opinions of people who go to the games doesn't matter. But the opinions of people that don't go to the games does matter?

Makes sense.

[Wobbler]

Guys, why are you piling on? Mike was kind enough to respond directly to this concern, which "Issues" has presented in a pretty reasonable way.

Hogie doesn't need your help.

[argofan81]

What sports teams currently allow re-entry?

Ticats do for one.

["Issues"Mcgee]

"Issues".

There's one thing I do want to comment on (FTR I have no idea about why stadiums have an in/out policy, but I can find out).

When you say "Do you realize that if you are going to go to Argos games every year and always that your opinion means next to nothing? " you couldn't be further from the truth.

I came on THIS SITE and asked people if they had any suggestions about how to make games better. EVERY ONE of those suggestions, no matter how extreme they were, was seen by multiple people in management positions and some of them have been implemented for this year. We also had a sit down over a beer with representatives from the major fan groups and did likewise.

If you can name another team that has been more pro-active with its fan base in terms of eagerly listening and acting on suggestions I'd love to hear who it is and I'll reach out and try to learn from them. This was MLSE's first full off-season and much of it was spent on trying to improve the in-game experience for fans. You'll find out about these improvements closer to the home opener.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the season. I'll try to find out about the reason for the policy.

Cheers.

Hogan

Hogie you are a beast, your dedication to the Argos is an inspiration and I am honoured to have your attention.

I am very grateful for what MLSE has done. I have no reason to crap on ownership and no reason to crap on other fans.

My unhinged rant is solely out of a desire to see BMO filled for football. I dedicate every summer to going to Argos games and dragging as many people as I can because I love this team and its survival is my only objective.

I said what I said, I was challenged to bring up examples and I delivered. I apologize for the aggressive way I pushed my point, and I will get off the subject.

["Issues"Mcgee]

What sports teams currently allow re-entry? Cleveland Indians.

[Mike Hogan]

No need to apologize. I'll never criticize a passionate fan for having a reasonable opinion, I was just pointing out that we DO listen to our fans. While it would be virtually impossible to find two posters on this, or any site who like or dislike exactly the same things about attending games, we did, and will always continue to listen to complaints, or constructive criticisms...it's the only way for us to improve the product.

In terms of the Toronto sports landscape - and I mean this in the best possible way - right now we're a mom and pop store operating in a land of superstores. By that I mean our customer service has to be better than some of the bigger organizations because when you're trying to grow a fan base you can't afford to lose any of your current fans. We value every single fan we have and want each of you to help us add to that incredibly loyal base.

Not everything is going to please everyone. I'm sure there are some that don't like the idea of $5 beers, but we want to try and give people choices. As mentioned, we'll be announcing some changes that will help you enjoy Argo football even more, some things that I honestly think every fan will be in favour of.

I'll find out more about our in-and-out policy on Tuesday at our Sr. Management meeting. I promise I will bring that up and report back here. You may not like the answer, but you'll at least get an explanation as to why the policy is in place.

Deal?

[Neely2005]

Ticats do for one.

Thanks. Let me rephrase, what Toronto teams currently allow re-entry?

[BantOarsman]

No need to apologize. I'll never criticize a passionate fan for having a reasonable opinion, I was just pointing out that we DO listen to our fans. //...we'll be announcing some changes that will help you enjoy Argo football even more, some things that I honestly think every fan will be in favour of.

I'll find out more about our in-and-out policy on Tuesday at our Sr. Management meeting. I promise I will bring that up and report back here. You may not like the answer, but you'll at least get an explanation as to why the policy is in place.

Deal?

Great response Mike. I'll admit I was thinking this issue wasn't worthy of a response--you've shown your commitment, and the club's commitment to the fans; and to finding solutions to build our base. Mom and pop shop. I love it. Who doesn't appreciate personalized care and service. Happy to have you reading and posting here!

["Issues"Mcgee]

No need to apologize. I'll never criticize a passionate fan for having a reasonable opinion, I was just pointing out that we DO listen to our fans. While it would be virtually impossible to find two posters on this, or any site who like or dislike exactly the same things about attending games, we did, and will always continue to listen to complaints, or constructive criticisms...it's the only way for us to improve the product.

In terms of the Toronto sports landscape - and I mean this in the best possible way - right now we're a mom and pop store operating in a land of superstores. By that I mean our customer service has to be better than some of the bigger organizations because when you're trying to grow a fan base you can't afford to lose any of your current fans. We value every single fan we have and want each of you to help us add to that incredibly loyal base.

Not everything is going to please everyone. I'm sure there are some that don't like the idea of $5 beers, but we want to try and give people choices. As mentioned, we'll be announcing some changes that will help you enjoy Argo football even more, some things that I honestly think every fan will be in favour of.

I'll find out more about our in-and-out policy on Tuesday at our Sr. Management meeting. I promise I will bring that up and report back here. You may not like the answer, but you'll at least get an explanation as to why the policy is in place.

Deal?

Deal. No matter what answer I get, I'm off the subject but I appreciate you lookinto it.

[doubleblue]

It's not about smoking at all. Yes I do smoke but I certainly can go longer than five hours without a dart. If my beef with in and out, or lack thereof, was solely dependant on smoking, I would never go to games in the first place because it's much more comfortable to in that regard to watch football at home.

My father will not go games because of no re entry. Same reason he just wants some space at HT. So there's one. Considering there are millions in the GTA, I can say with confidence I am sure he's not the only one.

As for training security, you have to train them anyway. We're not putting people on the moon here. If Progressive Field can accomplish it during sold out games, I'm sure it is within our grasp.

I've known several McGee's over the years, just wondering if you were any relation to Fibber McGee.

["Issues"Mcgee]

I've known several McGee's over the years, just wondering if you were any relation to Fibber McGee.

If there is someone going around as Fibber McGee, I do not know the person.

If you are subtly calling me a liar, I have been on these boards since the dystopian Rogers Centre days and not once did I talk about in and out.

[Ron]

If there is someone going around as Fibber McGee, I do not know the person.

If you are subtly calling me a liar, I have been on these boards since the dystopian Rogers Centre days and not once did I talk about in and out.

Well I wasn't sure myself so I googled it. Seems Fibber McGee was a very popular character that was loved by millions from 1935-59. So all's good then.

And it seems if in and out is a biggie ... it appears you have to bite the bullet and become a Cats fan as they allow it. ;)

["Issues"Mcgee]

And it seems if in and out is a biggie ... it appears you have to bite the bullet and become a Cats fan as they allow it. ;)

I'm just glad I never told another Argo fan to cheer for the Ticats. That's a brutal thing to have on your soul.

[Wobbler]

Isn't this thread resolved? doubleblue, Ron: what the heck are you guys talking about?