Hot News: Does the CFL need the Toronto Argonauts?

Credits: Veronica Henri/Toronto Sun/QMI Agency

Back in the 1970's a ticket to a Toronto Argonauts game was the hottest ticket in town. Chris Rudge, the CEO of the Toronto Argonauts remembers going to the games. He says, 'In those days the 60's and 70's it was either the Leafs or the Argos. Blue represented both of them. The Argos were an A list ticket.'

Fast forward to 2014, the Toronto Argonauts struggle to sell tickets. TSN Radio Host Matthew Cauz says the team is facing hard times, 'They are in a lot of trouble right now. Fans want stability. The Argos don't know where they are going to play, they also don't know who is going to own them. Ownership is trying to sell the team. There is no stability.'

With a big question mark beside who will own the team and another one beside where will the team play when the lease is up in 2017 at the Rogers Centre, the future of the Argonauts is uncertain.

Last year the average attendance at Toronto Argonauts games was 21,926 fans. The Saskatchewan Roughriders averaged more than 37,000 fans per game. In fact the only team that had a lower attendance than Toronto was the Hamilton Tigercats and they were forced to play in a smaller venue while they await the completion of the new Tim Horton's Field.

Despite the team's low attendance numbers, experts say they league still needs the Toronto Argos. Cauz points out, 'How bad would it look for the leagues largest metropolis's to not have a team.'

TSN Radio Host Garreth Wheeler agrees saying, 'If you take out the Argonauts you're taking out a key component. It's like taking out an arm or a leg. You need the Argos if you are going to brag about a strong Canadian football league.

Fans from different teams around the league agreed. Whether their reasoning was because they love to hate them, or because of their rich history, all agreed they want the Argos here to stay.

Even the CFL agrees that the team is a necessary part of the league's success. CFL President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Copeland say, 'Toronto is a fundamental part of the Canadian Football League. It's not the league as we know it without the Argos. They are a storied franchise and hated rivalry and it wouldn't be the same without them.'

So what can be done to save the struggling franchise? Most fingers point to a smaller stadium, hoping BMO Field, the current home of Toronto FC soccer will be the answer.

Rudge believes a smaller stadium will create a bigger atmosphere, 'In a big environment that holds 50,000 people and you only have 15,000 to 20,000 fans, it just doesn't have the sense of intimacy. A small stadium creates a cool conversation saying I was there or I can't wait to see the next one.'

Copeland agrees, and says that even if BMO Field doesn't pan out, a new stadium will help the atmosphere, 'If BMO should not play out we will have to look at other options that will be equally as good.'

Despite the struggles the Argos face, it seems all agree they are needed. In fact the CFL's strongest television ratings come from games involving the Argos. Those involved with the team hope that game attendance will follow in television ratings footsteps as their future becomes clearer in 2017.

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