Signs the Argo fan base is slowly but surely Growing?

[RichK]

So I’m checking out at the grocery store today and the cashier, a big friendly guy mid-20s, tells me he loves my Argos hat. I say it’s fun to root for a team in this town that actually wins things, and he says yeah man, that’s why he became a fan last year!

He became a fan because the Argos are “winners”. He said he’s tired of following the Blue Jays who “don’t look like they even CARE about winning anymore.” We talked about Chad and the schedule and FA losses and finally exchanged a “Go Argos”. It felt nice I gotta say.

But this is what a sustained multi-year period of excellence — something the Argos haven’t had in 80 years — can do to a fan base, and we’re still in the early stages. Anybody else see signs of things slowly building?

[bluto]

If ever there was a year to try to make some headway, this is it.

Best schedule ever. Returning champions. A QB, a LB and a GM who are marketable, recognizable faces of the franchise (ok, Chad may not be a great spokesman type all things considered, but he's a star player in the position where you need a star.)

Next year we are going to get the worst schedule ever (World Cup). So this has got to be the year to move the chains.

[ArgoGabe22]

So I’m checking out at the grocery store today and the cashier, a big friendly guy mid-20s, tells me he loves my Argos hat. I say it’s fun to root for a team in this town that actually wins things, and he says yeah man, that’s why he became a fan last year!

He became a fan because the Argos are “winners”. He said he’s tired of following the Blue Jays who “don’t look like they even CARE about winning anymore.” We talked about Chad and the schedule and FA losses and finally exchanged a “Go Argos”. It felt nice I gotta say.

But this is what a sustained multi-year period of excellence — something the Argos haven’t had in 80 years — can do to a fan base, and we’re still in the early stages. Anybody else see signs of things slowly building?

Don't we all experience some sort of similar interaction every season? Not sure this is an actual evidence of a trend. Just a niche product will cause more discussion when seen by another consumer/fan. Like seeing a punk band t-shirt you don't always see. I work with teens, they all still crap on the CFL unfortunately.

[IssuesMcgee]

The numbers don't lie. The Argos have seen a slow but steady increase in average attendance and TV views over the years. The powers that be gave the Argos a great schedule this season and decided it would be wise to give the team a 9th home game back.

I would like to see a stronger marketing effort from MLSE, but the issue isn't limited to raising awareness and generating hype. The Argos are unique in that they face a lot of animosity and downright hostility from a portion of their own city. The best way for MLSE to fix this is to use their vast media powers to slowly legitimize the Argos and the CFL in the eyes of the general public. This cannot be accomplished overnight.

So far, MLSE seems to be on the right track.

[AngeloV]

Well I went to Jersey Mike’s and the girl at the cash asked me about my Argos hoodie, with no idea who they were. I gave her a brief history and she had no idea we had a pro football team in the city.

[RichK]

Well I went to Jersey Mike’s and the girl at the cash asked me about my Argos hoodie, with no idea who they were. I gave her a brief history and she had no idea we had a pro football team in the city.

The Argos don’t need all 6 million people in the GTA to know they exist. They only need an extra 10 to 12 thousand people buying tickets every week to sell out BMO, which would constitute a huge success for the franchise.

[RichK]

The numbers don't lie. The Argos have seen a slow but steady increase in average attendance and TV views over the years. The powers that be gave the Argos a great schedule this season and decided it would be wise to give the team a 9th home game back.

I would like to see a stronger marketing effort from MLSE, but the issue isn't limited to raising awareness and generating hype. The Argos are unique in that they face a lot of animosity and downright hostility from a portion of their own city. The best way for MLSE to fix this is to use their vast media powers to slowly legitimize the Argos and the CFL in the eyes of the general public. This cannot be accomplished overnight.

So far, MLSE seems to be on the right track.

I agree with all of this, but I’d still like to see them do a little more for the Argos. Could there BE a better time to try and boost interest in your sports franchise than when they’re in the middle of a sustained era of excellence?

I keep thinking about Keith Pelley at the Cup celebration rally in November, hoarsely shouting that the Argos were “gonna pack” BMO in 2025, and I keep wondering if this is the year ownership finally goes that extra mile for this team.

[gilthethrill]

Well I went to Jersey Mike’s and the girl at the cash asked me about my Argos hoodie, with no idea who they were. I gave her a brief history and she had no idea we had a pro football team in the city.

What sub did you purchase?

[AngeloV]

Well I went to Jersey Mike’s and the girl at the cash asked me about my Argos hoodie, with no idea who they were. I gave her a brief history and she had no idea we had a pro football team in the city.

What sub did you purchase?

#8, Club Sub. Shared with my wife....their subs are expensive, but huge.

[AngeloV]

Well I went to Jersey Mike’s and the girl at the cash asked me about my Argos hoodie, with no idea who they were. I gave her a brief history and she had no idea we had a pro football team in the city.

The Argos don’t need all 6 million people in the GTA to know they exist. They only need an extra 10 to 12 thousand people buying tickets every week to sell out BMO, which would constitute a huge success for the franchise.

My point is that any way you look at it, it's a really small sample size.
Admittedly, in the summer when my wife and me go for our walks, I am always wearing Argos gear, and I do get a lot of people recognizing. But I have always received positive feedback this way. Does it relate to ticket sales? No way of knowing. The best thing I have seen the last few seasons, is that the crowds do appear to be getting younger, and they seem to be having a great time. To me, that is the best indication of an upswing.