Interesting contrast in scheduling

[Will]

Today is the 41st anniversary of the Argos defeating the Tiger-Cats 41-36 at Exhibition Stadium in the Eastern Final. The Grey Cup itself was played on November 27, 1983. Contrast this to 2024, where the season ended on November 17, 2024. The few differences to note are the 16 game season (albeit 4 preseason games) and a regular season that started in July.

[ArgoRavi]

Today is the 41st anniversary of the Argos defeating the Tiger-Cats 41-36 at Exhibition Stadium in the Eastern Final. The Grey Cup itself was played on November 27, 1983. Contrast this to 2024, where the season ended on November 17, 2024. The few differences to note are the 16 game season (albeit 4 preseason games) and a regular season that started in July.

I never had a problem with that schedule. I believe that the Grey Cup should still be played on the final Sunday of November. November has always been and should continue to be the CFL's month.

Also, interesting to note that an all-star game was played on Saturday, December 3rd in 1983 and the players played hard.

[Scooter McCray]

Today is the 41st anniversary of the Argos defeating the Tiger-Cats 41-36 at Exhibition Stadium in the Eastern Final. The Grey Cup itself was played on November 27, 1983. Contrast this to 2024, where the season ended on November 17, 2024. The few differences to note are the 16 game season (albeit 4 preseason games) and a regular season that started in July.

I never had a problem with that schedule. I believe that the Grey Cup should still be played on the final Sunday of November. November has always been and should continue to be the CFL's month.

Also, interesting to note that an all-star game was played on Saturday, December 3rd in 1983 and the players played hard.

I never did as well, but I have only lived in Ontario and I can see why fans would not want to sit in -20C winter conditions. But if playoffs move into October when the 10th team arrives then the league would still be up against MLB playoffs, hockey, basketball, NFL still. Mid June to Mid November seems right. Full summer to dominate TV and half November for the best games.

[AngeloV]

Mid November is perfect for the Grey Cup. Easy for those of us watching to say they never had a problem with it being later. We never played in Prairie cold in late November. Weather was not a factor in any post season game this season. Now I am against moving it up any more, because that would mean more games to start the season against the NHL playoffs, and that would really hurt any hype the start of the season currently gets.

[Will]

Mid November is perfect for the Grey Cup. Easy for those of us watching to say they never had a problem with it being later. We never played in Prairie cold in late November. Weather was not a factor in any post season game this season. Now I am against moving it up any more, because that would mean more games to start the season against the NHL playoffs, and that would really hurt any hype the start of the season currently gets.

I would daresay that weather has not been a significant factor at any game played at BMO since the Argos moved there. We've been lucky with the weather.

[argolio]

Grey Cups in mid-November work well. It reduces the risk of very frigid playoff weather out west, and the CFL avoids having to share the football spotlight with endless pro and college games during American Thanksgiving.

[ARGOFanIan]

Think Schedule is best just now... hard to get casual fans out if the weather is colder... if they could move the start times to 4 PM for Sunday games....Think that would help... If you have to work Monday .... or have a long drive... tough way to start the week.... but I do enjoy to watch Sunday games on TV...

[paulwoods13]

if they could move the start times to 4 PM for Sunday games....Think that would help... If you have to work Monday .... or have a long drive... tough way to start the week.... but I do enjoy to watch Sunday games on TV...

4p is the ideal start time for both Sat and Sun games, but we will never see it on Sundays because of TV requirements. Hopefully we get a few more Sat afternoon games in the next schedule (which based on last year, should be out in the next three weeks or so).

[primetime321]

if they could move the start times to 4 PM for Sunday games....Think that would help... If you have to work Monday .... or have a long drive... tough way to start the week.... but I do enjoy to watch Sunday games on TV...

4p is the ideal start time for both Sat and Sun games, but we will never see it on Sundays because of TV requirements. Hopefully we get a few more Sat afternoon games in the next schedule (which based on last year, should be out in the next three weeks or so).

It seems that TSN and CTV like the 3 pm starts especially in the fall when it doesn't lead directly into the HNIC broadcasts. I'm not sure if 4 pm works that well in the summer as it tends to be hottest at that time of day and it might keep some fans away due to the heat and other commitments during the day. And yes, even though many fans may like the Sunday games for TV purposes, I'm not sure it is that attractive for live audiences.

[AngeloV]

if they could move the start times to 4 PM for Sunday games....Think that would help... If you have to work Monday .... or have a long drive... tough way to start the week.... but I do enjoy to watch Sunday games on TV...

4p is the ideal start time for both Sat and Sun games, but we will never see it on Sundays because of TV requirements. Hopefully we get a few more Sat afternoon games in the next schedule (which based on last year, should be out in the next three weeks or so).

I think in the fall 3pm is better than 4. Whether Argos fans want to admit it or not, the possible overlap with a Saturday night Leafs game can hurt attendance...even if it is only for the first period of the hockey game. When they moved the start times to 3pm fo accommodate CTV, I think it helped attendance.