Argofans

This confuses me -

Edmonton was also the subject of the single most commented issue among respondents — just not from their own players. Visiting teams complained about the quality of their accommodations, with one person calling the hotel in the Alberta capital “unacceptable.”

Wait, are the Elks responsible for choosing the visiting team's hotel? Is that how it works? And if not, why are all the teams staying in a hotel their players find unacceptable?

also, of course, just for future travel reference, what hotel are they talking about?

shayman wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 12:57 pm This confuses me -

Edmonton was also the subject of the single most commented issue among respondents — just not from their own players. Visiting teams complained about the quality of their accommodations, with one person calling the hotel in the Alberta capital “unacceptable.”

Wait, are the Elks responsible for choosing the visiting team's hotel? Is that how it works? And if not, why are all the teams staying in a hotel their players find unacceptable?

also, of course, just for future travel reference, what hotel are they talking about?

Apparently, it's the Chateau Lacombe.

This is off-topic, but since there has been some interesting discussion in this thread about Dinwiddie, I just want to note how differently things look to many in this group compared to what was being said in the "Ryan Dinwiddie goes to Ottawa" thread.

paulwoods13 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 2:07 pm This is off-topic, but since there has been some interesting discussion in this thread about Dinwiddie, I just want to note how differently things look to many in this group compared to what was being said in the "Ryan Dinwiddie goes to Ottawa" thread.

The D+ grade that the players gave the last coaching staff was a real eye-opener. I will admit that I didn't think that Dinwiddie calling players out last year was that big of a deal at the time because of his success from the previous four years, but it now seems like it was. I didn't like the way that Dinwiddie left the organization - I don't even think he has thanked the Argos since leaving - so my mind has now changed to this being best for all parties involved. Dinwiddie will be head coach/offensive coordinator/GM in Ottawa which seems like a lot and having that GM role may bring him into more conflict with players. We shall see.

paulwoods13 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 2:07 pm This is off-topic, but since there has been some interesting discussion in this thread about Dinwiddie, I just want to note how differently things look to many in this group compared to what was being said in the "Ryan Dinwiddie goes to Ottawa" thread.

Chalk that up to fear of the unknown. When a coach leaves suddenly, the question becomes who could possibly replace him?

No one at the time was expecting the Argos to choose Miller and handle the whole situation in a way that inspired confidence and the other options that were out there were pretty terrifying.

Would you rather Ryan Dinwiddie or Chris Jones? Pretty easy answer.

That said, I went back to the thread and it is pretty funny how the perception of Dinwiddie changed in 2 months.

I still like Dinwiddie. Although the team was in shambles, I thought his personality provided some much needed comedic relief. Athletes and coaches have no personality these days and why would they in this age of cancel culture? Dinwiddie was great TV last season.

It's worth noting that only two members of the Argos' coaching staff from 2025 are rejoining Dinwiddie in Ottawa in 2026. Those two are esteemed receivers coach Pete Costanza and Drew Tate, who gets a promotion from offensive assistant to QBs coach. Will Fields, who was the co-defensive coordinator with the Argos in 2024 returns as defensive coordinator in Ottawa for a second season.

The assistants from last year in Toronto who remain unemployed include OL coach Kris Sweet, DL coach Greg Marshall, and co-defensive coordinators Jason Shivers and Kevin Eiben.

shatto wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 12:14 am A head coach that publicly berates players is bound to loose the confidence of his players. The rating of coaching staff was the lowest of all teams. Perhaps Dinwiddie moving on is a good thing for the team.

Yup. I’ve been firm on my stance since he started doing it. Even took some heat on this forum and social media channels. Argonauts homers were all on board, but I said it then and I’ll say it again, players are NOT on board being called out like that. Always have your guys back, even if you’re shipping him out tomorrow. The start of Dinwiddie’s demise here.

ArgoZ wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 6:54 pm

shatto wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 12:14 am A head coach that publicly berates players is bound to loose the confidence of his players. The rating of coaching staff was the lowest of all teams. Perhaps Dinwiddie moving on is a good thing for the team.

Yup. I’ve been firm on my stance since he started doing it. Even took some heat on this forum and social media channels. Argonauts homers were all on board, but I said it then and I’ll say it again, players are NOT on board being called out like that. Always have your guys back, even if you’re shipping him out tomorrow. The start of Dinwiddie’s demise here.

Pretty interesting to re-read the "Dinwiddie's outburst" thread as well.

ArgoRavi wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 1:37 pm

shayman wrote: ↑Thu Jan 08, 2026 12:57 pm
Wait, are the Elks responsible for choosing the visiting team's hotel? Is that how it works?

Apparently, it's the Chateau Lacombe.

Thanks! And, I've since learned, yes, that actually is how it works; the home team is responsible for selecting the hotel the visiting teams stay in.

Hey, Elks. Here's your digs when you come to town this season.
https://www.toronto.com/news/scarboroug ... 26033.html