A coalition of Toronto FC supporters groups will stage a silent protest during the upcoming Major League Soccer all-star game at BMO Field in Toronto.
The groups are increasingly concerned about the possible expansion of BMO Field to accommodate CFL football and specifically the Toronto Argonauts. The groups feel strongly that this would ruin the unique experience that has made Toronto FC such a successful franchise. It is not possible to fit a CFL field into the stadium without major reconstruction.
Toronto FC's most rabid supporters will sit rather than stand during the all-star game. There will be limited chanting and cheering. They will wear black. Many of these supporters have pledged to boycott Toronto FC games should the stadium be retrofitted for CFL football.
"This is not an anti-Argos protest," said Pedro Almeida, leader of the North End Elite supporters group.
"Many of our members are Argos fans. We have nothing against the Argos or the CFL. We wish them the best of success. But Toronto FC fans signed up in the thousands to support this team based on the premise of it being a soccer-specific stadium with real grass and an intimate setting. We didn't get the grass. We better get to keep the intimate setting."
Fans around the world mock MLS soccer when they see highlights of games being played in cavernous NFL stadiums decorated with football yardlines.
"The supporters groups are united on this," said Jack DePoe, president of the Red Patch Boys. "The club, the players, the media, everyone has acknowledged the contribution of the supporters groups in the club's success. We want everyone to understand how upset we are about the possibility of a CFL football retrofit. We won't stand for this kind of expansion."
"This was supposed to be our national soccer stadium," said Rudi Schuller, one of the leaders of U Sector. "But the national team players have already made it clear they prefer to play in other venues because of the Field Turf. Rebuilding for the CFL would further take BMO Field away from being the national soccer stadium."
Soccer-specific stadiums has long been a key part of the league's business plan. Seven of the league's 14 teams currently play in SS stadiums. Two others will move into SS stadiums within the next year. The rest have plans to build one.
For more information, contact Jack with Red Patch Boys.
www.redpatchboys.ca
5 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Joe G 12 months ago
Where do the Argos currently play, and why don't they want to stay there? The field turf would make BMO Field easier to share than regular grass would, but you're right, football lines on a soccer field don't look good.
This is unfortunate to see. Soccer-specific stadiums have been good money makers for MLS teams. Being in total control of the stadium and not being screwed on leases (like the Metrostars/Red Bull NY are at the Meadowlands) is an important factor in MLS' growth.
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Danny Brown 12 months ago
Hi Joe,
They currently play at the Rogers Centre (which used to be better known as the Skydome and still is by many people in Toronto). The problem is that they share it with the Toronto Blue Jays (baseball) and it is also the secondary venue for the NFL's Buffalo Bills. Combine that with the annual International Bowl Coolege Football bowl game, as well as concerts and trade shows, and it gets pretty crowded.
I feel for them and believe that they should have their own home - but Toronto FC is not it. The soccer team is enjoying a hugely successful take-up in the city and this will only stunt their growth, and the growth of MLS in Canada.
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Billy Blanks 12 months ago
One of the major reasons for not wanting the Argos in BMO field is the field turf....most supporters want real grass laid down, if the Argos make BMO their home the possibility of getting real grass disappears.
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Chris Allen 12 months ago
A much as I love the CFL and think it is rediculous that Toronto is still Canadian because of the Bills playing some games there, as well as beinjg the only Canadian city with a MLB, NBA and MLS team, I have to agree with the MLS fans. I must say that it would be ridiculous for the Jays, Buffalo Bills (Occasionally) and Argos to all play in one stadium. It would always be busy and crowded, as well as possible scheduling problems. I personally think that the Toronto Argonauts have a beautiful stadium at the Rogers Center and shuld stay there.
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r rodriguez 11 months ago
I am an newbie to MLS, not soccer. I watch EPL, Spanish Primera, Seria A, Champions league. And for some one who is trying to take the MLS serious having to watch games with football lines is dreadful. In fact I will not watch any games. As a former Toronto resident I support TFC and I'm exicept to final see soccer gaining popularity in Canada. To allow share this stadium with the Argos will be step backwards
barcaFan
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