Oct. 4th Toronto Star Article

The Toronto Star published an article by reporter Morgan Campbell yesterday which includes a number of interesting points. You can read the article at:

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/262992

The article includes multiple quotes from Tom Anselmi, chief operating officer of MLSE and most interesting is the paragraph that reads "the city of Toronto owns the stadium and MLSE operates it on their behalf. BMO Field was built specifically for soccer, and would need extensive renovations to accommodate a CFL football field. Both the city and MLSE would need to approve those changes, but Anselmi says a stadium makeover's not an option this year [emphasis added]."

The suggestion that MLSE would have to approve changes is not supported by a source or attribution but Mr. Campbell and his editors felt comfortable enough with the statement to print it in one of the City's leading newspapers. While I'm sure many are familiar with the errors which newspapers often make I think it not unreasonable to give a fairly high degree of credence to this report which seems to confirm what many TFC supporters had already presumed. Finally this does seem to confirm that MLSE is a reasonable target for an potential future fan action since they, per this report, would have some major degree of influence on any future decision to renovate BMO for CFL football.

Furthermore, while it is nice to see MLSE address the issue publicly for the first time since the story broke two weeks ago Mr. Anselmi's statements leave many questions unanswered. Virtually all speculation regarding an Argo's move had presumed a date no earlier than 2009 so ruling out a move in 2008 does not make many of us feel any more confident. Also, MLSE's fundamental position on a potential move is not addressed. While it is understandable that any business would prefer to keep as many options open as possible MLSE needs to restore the confidence of the thousands of customers who have just renewed their season tickets that they remain firmly committed to satisfying the desires of those customers and firmly committed to a soccer-first mentality.

Ohhh, it's all gone quiet over there!

After a week of frenetic activity and speculation preceding TFC's previous home game the story of the Argos potentially moving to BMO Field has virtually disappeared from the mainstream Toronto media. Hopefully this is a case of "no news is good news." On the other hand maybe after testing the waters and seeing the reaction it drew from TFC supporters the Argos' management has decided to take a lower public profile in their exploration of the viability of such a move.

In the absence of concrete answers, however, it seems prudent for TFC fans to remain vigilant and prepared to fight to maintain the soccer specific nature of BMO Field. That said, it is clear that the management of TFC has gotten the message that even the potential of this move has angered large swathes of their fan base. Whether or not this message is understood upstairs at MLSE and in City hall - and whether or not they care - remains to be seen. At this time it seems gratuitous to continue (or start really) any boycott aimed at MLSE though. I still definately plan on maintaining this blog and hopefully making it better but enjoy your ($12.50) beers Thursday night and let's hope that we actually get something to cheer!