Argos to BMO decision - Wednesday, May 20th

[Areathrasher]

Garber is currently doing a FB chat here https://www.facebook.com/foxsoccer?fref=ts

I've asked him this Hi Commissioner Garber, Given your comment today "Our goal continues to be to play in an outdoor, soccer-specific stadium, on grass" what do you make of MLSE and the City of Toronto trying to move the Toronto Argos of the CFL into BMO Field. As a TFC season ticket holder, i'd really like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks

Apparently he'll only be answering the ones that get the most likes. So go like it or pose your own question. Cheers

[king10]

He'll probably just respond that the stadiun will continue to be a grass playing surface and will be a soccer first stadium. And also use examples where houston chicago and some other mls stadiums allow football use.

[Areathrasher]

He'll probably just respond that the stadiun will continue to be a grass playing surface and will be a soccer first stadium. And also use examples where houston chicago and some other mls stadiums allow football use.

Probably, but good to get something from him on record, esp in relation to the quote he said today.

Go like it

[Rotoomm]

I live, work and play within the heart of Toronto and get a good feel for what people think via wide-ranging work and personal contacts and a broad, extended family that bring all manner of people into our household. The CFL is an absolute non-entity. Not once has anyone ever initiated a discussion in my presence about it since at least the turn of the century. Probably longer.

Re: b) - But without a presence within it, the CFL utterly dies. That seems to be driving a lot of things forward.

I don't believe it is out of the ordinary that you don't hear much, if anything at all about the Argo's/CFL. I used to live in Calgary, and it was really the same way at work/home and most friends in regards to the Stampeders, yet they are a prosperous franchise... I think trying to judge the level of interest by way of who one is exposed to can make for a subjective judgement. i.e. Is the TFC/MLS an entity? Has anyone, other than yourself, initiated talk about the MLS? Interest is measured by tv ratings, attendance, merchandise, revenue... Ultimately $. Attendance at Argo games as of late certainly show declining interest, but does that have more to do with the team/game/league or just the lack of adequate facilities to make for an enjoyable experience? Question for you and othe TFC fans: would you be a ssh if TFC played at Skydome (given that there is grass installed)?

[glaze]

So in addition to the turf, do we now have to worry about the roof?
Will phase 2 and 3 be done at the same time, or will the roof be scrapped entirely? (I good see MLSE saying something along the lines of the grass needs maximum exposure to sunlight, so a roof is not feasible)

I think the final, most disgusting insult of this whole fiasco, is of the Argos share, MLSE IS PAYING 10 MILLION.
So the Argos once again continue their freeloading ways, put up nothing, and ruin our stadium in the process. All while the media, MLSE officials, and politicians applaud the move.

Meanwhile the facebook advertisement that MLSE/TFC put out for a new episode of All for One features an RPB keychain.

[Auzzy]

So in addition to the turf, do we now have to worry about the roof?
Will phase 2 and 3 be done at the same time, or will the roof be scrapped entirely? (I good see MLSE saying something along the lines of the grass needs maximum exposure to sunlight, so a roof is not feasible)

I think the final, most disgusting insult of this whole fiasco, is of the Argos share, MLSE IS PAYING 10 MILLION.
So the Argos once again continue their freeloading ways, put up nothing, and ruin our stadium in the process. All while the media, MLSE officials, and politicians applaud the move.

Meanwhile the facebook advertisement that MLSE/TFC put out for a new episode of All for One features an RPB keychain.

Well perhaps TFC fans can help pay for the $10 million Argo's share through our ticket prices once (if) TFC starts winning. We will also pay for frequent pitch replacement once it gets chewed up by gridiron. Argos will say "the pitch is still good enough for us, we don't mind if it's a bit muddy & bumpy, TFC can pay if they want the surface to be in better shape."

[Pookie]

More interesting tidbits from today's news (http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hal...ery-group.html), the last one really highlights the timeline. This is likely the last season of soccer specific action:

"A decision on the fate of the Toronto Argonauts — with the promise of hosting two Grey Cup games at what could be the team’s new home, BMO Field — is just 10 days away."

"Outgoing Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke told the Exhibition Place board they are just days away from a possible deal that would include the sale of the team.MLSE spokesperson Dave Haggith told the Star the “potential new Argos ownership group” is in talks to contribute $10 million to the expansion of BMO Field. But MLSE is being tight-lipped about the yet-to-be-named group."

MLSE said that without an agreement finalized in the next 10 days, the Argos won’t be able to play at BMO Field in 2016

[OgtheDim]

So in addition to the turf, do we now have to worry about the roof?
...

There is no indication at all that the roof addition is in jeopardy.

This is about the retractable north and south ends, and change rooms - that's it.

[Redcoe15]

norf I wish I took a picture of Lieweke's face when I said very much the same thing to him.

I wish I could take a picture of you telling Lieweke that, Pete!

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

[Red4ever]

Looking at the photo, the thing that bothers me the most is the fact that the stupid canadian field is 30 yards longer than that.

If the dimensions were the same than fine, but jesus.

[OgtheDim]

So apparently the hold up in Argo negotiations is Braley wants recognition.

i.e.

BRALEY WANTS A STAND AT BMO NAMED AFTER HIM

There’ll be no statue of Braley outside of BMO, but something has to be done, some creative gesture that must receive his blessing, or else this timeline will pass and no deal to get the Argos into BMO for next season will be completed.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/04/25...hope-for-argos


To this, I have just one response



Braley, go eff yourself.

[Auzzy]

Maybe if we put his face on the Wall of Honour, should be good enough, no?

Or even better, they name the North Stand after Braley, as I believe the North Stand will be removed for the Argos conversion, right? Works perfectly for me.

Actually what ^he said, Braley eff off.

[ag futbol]

Sounds like his pride is already dented by the price and now he wants something to show for it.

I think it would be funny if they just stone walled and let him carry the hot potato, but realistically they'll do all the corporate ass kissing they need to get it done. Dignity need not apply: see Ted Rogers / blue jays for details.

[Areathrasher]

Fuck off Braley

[Richard]

How about a big FUCK YOU DAVID BRALEY banner.

What a piece of shit, build your own fucking stadium instead of leaching off other people.

[Pookie]

How about a big FUCK YOU DAVID BRALEY banner.

What a piece of shit, build your own fucking stadium instead of leaching off other people.

It's a shame MLSE is running short of funds to build their own stadium for this MLS "Superclub" eh?

That said, Braley has some stones to ask for this.

Interesting that MLSE and Larry T may be bidding against each other to buy the team. Ironically, if Larry wins, he seems passionate about sport and as a single, rich, owner, he might actually be able to be more successful at it than if the resources of MLSE are poured into the team.

[Still Kicking]

Oh please, oh please, give him a statue. Both before and after games it would become my favourite place to.............visit.

[Redcoe15]

Maybe if we put his face on the Wall of Honour, should be good enough, no?

I think we should put his face on every toilet and urinal in the stadium.

Seriously, GO FUCK YOURSELF, BLOCKHEAD BRALEY!!!!!

[mowe]

All signs point to a deal being reached in time ...

[Waggy]

The Braley Stand

[Mateo1985]

What is the deadline exactly for the deal to happen? Does anyone know?

[ManUtd4ever]

Is this guy for real? Recognition for what?

[Still Kicking]

Is this guy for real? Recognition for what?

Whittling a CFL team down to nothing in terms of fans in the seats,
Having a dome exit strategy that steps on the toes of every footy fan,
being less shady than fellow Senator Mike Duffy,
and proving that sports team ownership worse than MLSE is possible...

[Pookie]

Whittling a CFL team down to nothing in terms of fans in the seats,
Having a dome exit strategy that steps on the toes of every footy fan,
being less shady than fellow Senator Mike Duffy,
and proving that sports team ownership worse than MLSE is possible...

You may be on to something. If Braley gets a stand… MLSE should have a stand.

[RealG-TFC]

I would personally look the other way if whatever commemorative item is placed were to be vandalized. This is ridiculous.

[Fort York Redcoat]

[Fort York Redcoat]

^ IF the count continued from Friday....SEVEN days till the decision must be made.

[Areathrasher]

Arash Madani @ArashMadani · 54m54 minutes ago

Spoke with an interested Argos buyer. Fell apart when accountant saw books and projected a $7-8 million annual loss to run it properly. #CFL

[Detroit_TFC]

Arash Madani @ArashMadani · 54m54 minutes ago

Spoke with an interested Argos buyer. Fell apart when accountant saw books and projected a $7-8 million annual loss to run it properly. #CFL

And no prospect for improving that situation. At least with MLS, the prospects of franchise value going up makes it worth eating operating losses for a while.