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.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
A graphic example of the problem:
As can be seen from the images above it would be impossible to fit a CFL field into BMO Field without significant rebuilding of the north and south end. Some have suggested that a new stand or sections of a new stand could be built on rails thus allowing it to be repositioned for either soccer or football but this ignores one of the central concerns of Canadian soccer supporters: BMO Field is a purpose built soccer stadium intended to serve as a home of both Toronto FC and the Canadian National Team. Rebuilding the stadium so that it becomes a multi-sport arena is a fundamental betrayal of the attempt to create a new permanent home for Canadian soccer. Further, in an era when more and more Major League Baseball teams and NFL Football Teams are discovering the benefits of moving out of 70's era multi-purpose arenas for purpose built single-sport stadiums it is beyond foolish to presume that there would ultimately be a comfortable way to accommodate two sports in BMO Field. Ironically, it could be reasonably argued that the Rogers Centre, the current home of the Argonauts, was the last major North American stadium built with the multi-sport philosophy. Consequently it suffers from many of the problems inherent in that era of stadium design: lacking the intimacy of the best baseball stadiums while being too small for NFL football and too big for CFL football. As the recent abandonment and demolition of the oft derided Kingdome in Seattle, Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnatti, and Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh illustrate when compared to the continuing fan affection for such classics as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field it is often far better to design a unique stadium for a particular sport rather than attempt a one-size-fits-all hodge-podge approach.
The Footy Show Discusses Argos @ BMO field issue
I just got around to watching Monday night's episode of The Footy Show w/ James Sharman and Neil Davidson. I was very pleased to see that one of the topics they discussed was the Argos possible move to BMO field. I was even happier to see both James and Neil point out how disastrous such a move would be to the validity of TFC as a legitimate professional soccer franchise.
I've contacted The Footy Show to see if they can help us to gain some clarification as to who we, the fans, should be directing our anger towards on this issue. Paul Bierne, Director of Business Operations for TFC, has been on the U-Sector supporters message board declaring MLSE's innocence in the matter, claiming that although they are the operators of BMO field, and owners of the sole professional team that uses the field, they are powerless to stop such a move. Seems very hard to believe but we will reserve judgement until we know more.
I've contacted The Footy Show to see if they can help us to gain some clarification as to who we, the fans, should be directing our anger towards on this issue. Paul Bierne, Director of Business Operations for TFC, has been on the U-Sector supporters message board declaring MLSE's innocence in the matter, claiming that although they are the operators of BMO field, and owners of the sole professional team that uses the field, they are powerless to stop such a move. Seems very hard to believe but we will reserve judgement until we know more.
Monday, September 24, 2007
A clarification and the status of the boycott.
Since the leaflets handed-out in front of BMO on Sept. 22nd were composed and distributed it has come to our attention that they may have inadvertantly misrepresented a critical fact.
Based on reports in the Toronto media and statements by the owners of the Toronto Argonauts the leaflet attempted to summarize what was then known and/or believed in the online TFC fan community at the time. According to semi-public statements made by Paul Beirne, Director of Business Operations for TFC, on the U-Sector forums the statement "Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment is in negotiations to allow the Toronto Argonauts CFL team usage of BMO Field" may have been incorrect. Mr. Beirne has stated that "we [TFC?] have not been speaking with the Argos about a possible move." Mr. Beirne has also previously suggested that any TFC fan action would be more appropriately directed at the City of Toronto since they are the owners of BMO Field and would allegedly have the final say.
These developments raise serious questions about whether or not any boycott aimed at TFC/MLSE would be useful or reasonable. However, in the absence of a clear public statement by MLSE precisely explaining the situation with reference to their role as stadium operators for the City of Toronto it seems that all options should remain open. The decision on whether or not to continue with the boycott will have to be made before TFC's next home game on Oct. 4th but until then should be considered an open question.
Based on reports in the Toronto media and statements by the owners of the Toronto Argonauts the leaflet attempted to summarize what was then known and/or believed in the online TFC fan community at the time. According to semi-public statements made by Paul Beirne, Director of Business Operations for TFC, on the U-Sector forums the statement "Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment is in negotiations to allow the Toronto Argonauts CFL team usage of BMO Field" may have been incorrect. Mr. Beirne has stated that "we [TFC?] have not been speaking with the Argos about a possible move." Mr. Beirne has also previously suggested that any TFC fan action would be more appropriately directed at the City of Toronto since they are the owners of BMO Field and would allegedly have the final say.
These developments raise serious questions about whether or not any boycott aimed at TFC/MLSE would be useful or reasonable. However, in the absence of a clear public statement by MLSE precisely explaining the situation with reference to their role as stadium operators for the City of Toronto it seems that all options should remain open. The decision on whether or not to continue with the boycott will have to be made before TFC's next home game on Oct. 4th but until then should be considered an open question.
The boycott: how it started, what are its aims?
Just to get everyone up to speed here is the original proposal for the boycott along with an explanation of it's rational and objectives. Since the boycott was proposed there have been some new developments which may change opinions on its necessity and/or efficacy. I think it's important to see where we've been though before we decide where we're going.
And yes, before anyone points it out these have been edited slightly. If you want to read the originals they should still be on the U-Sector forums.
---
Okay,
So I've been reading the whole Argos moving thing with increasing dread and just slogged my way through the whole Walk-Out/Chants/Banners thread in response. Here's my idea, which I think would be much more to the point:
An immeadiate boycott targetting the purchasing any concessions in BMO Field or any official (licensed) TFC related merchandise until MLSE comes out and publicly disavows any plans to allow the Argos use of BMO or, alternatively, publicly commits to North York's 4 principles. Leaflets explaining the situation and asking people to join the boycott should be distributed outside the stadium ASAP with a URL directing them to a website with greater details and an online petition/commitment to join the boycott.
The boycott could eventually be extended to encouraging all of our family members and "soccer supporters" in the GTA to boycott merchandise of the Leafs and Raptors.
As many people have pointed out we are consumers. We don't own the club and we'll never be able elect a different board. The only power we have is economic and if we want to stop this we have to use that power. Asking people to give up their season tickets now is unrealistic as this is something we've all waited a long time for and no one wants to lose their place in line pre-emptively. Plus, 2/3rds of TFC's fans at any game have season tickets that have already been paid for so there's no imeadiate economic impact for the club.
I've got many other thoughts on this idea but don't have time to expand on them yet.
---
Idea expansion #1: Why banners/chants/walk-outs won't make a difference.
Please understand though that I support doing all those things anyways!
However, other than possibley raise media attention to the issue (which could go either way in terms of media opinion) none of these are anything more than gestures of dissatisfaction by what would likely be written off as a vocal minority.
We need to get as many average, casual TFC fans involved as possible not just the internet fanatics. My perception is that a great many of the casuals will be just as angered about this as most of us are. One of the great selling points of TFC that got people to buy into the team was that the stadium was soccer-specific and that the team would be presented as a serious sport for serious soccer fans. All those ex-pats (especially UK ex-pats IMHO) who've been willing to support TFC as a second team because it was clear that MLSE understood what they wanted in a footy team will probably be the first to not renew seasons tickets if the prospect of gridiron lines arises! They're actually not as fervently devoted to the team (yet) as us (Canadian internet types) and would surely view this as a giant betrayal and typical North American BS.
Starting a boycott NOW would not only affect MLSE's bottom line immeadiately (even if they're still wildly profitable) but could also give them an inkling of the potential economic disaster down the road if they cock-up the goodwill they've created in our first year.
---
Idea Expansion #2: Most of our tickets are cheap anyways.
Seriously, do the math. Even at next year's raised prices the south stand represents a tiny fraction of TFC's revenue base.
I know I've probably spent 3 to 4 times as much money this season on beer and licensed gear as I did on my ticket. If you're in the south stand you actually pack a much greated economic punch in terms of the non-ticket money you spend on the team.
Also, as I said originally: who the hell wants to give up their tickets yet? A boycott lets us keep supporting the team but still shows our dissastisfaction with management.
---
Idea expansion 3: Make sure the website explains the whole sordid fiasco with the Argos almost killing the stadium originally.
Who the hell knows about this if they're not a compulsive Voyageurs's board follwer? The story of the York U. stadium is part of the context of why so many of us find this proposed move espcially noxious. Someone who has archived articles or access to old info should write a concise summary of how the Argo's almost desrtoyed the NSS a few years back by BACKING OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE!
Forget the excuse that it was a "business decision." You can make business decisions and NOT NEGOTIATE IN BAD FAITH (with a non-profit orgainzation to boot)! Stepping up to the plate and then backing out pissed off hardcore Argos fans too! They understood that the team was missing a golden oppurtunity for a proper stadium rather than being beholden to Uncle Teddy. Now they want to mess-up the stadium that WE'VE (not MLSE) made the envy of soccer fans north of the Rio Grande? Hang'em!
And yes, before anyone points it out these have been edited slightly. If you want to read the originals they should still be on the U-Sector forums.
---
Okay,
So I've been reading the whole Argos moving thing with increasing dread and just slogged my way through the whole Walk-Out/Chants/Banners thread in response. Here's my idea, which I think would be much more to the point:
An immeadiate boycott targetting the purchasing any concessions in BMO Field or any official (licensed) TFC related merchandise until MLSE comes out and publicly disavows any plans to allow the Argos use of BMO or, alternatively, publicly commits to North York's 4 principles. Leaflets explaining the situation and asking people to join the boycott should be distributed outside the stadium ASAP with a URL directing them to a website with greater details and an online petition/commitment to join the boycott.
The boycott could eventually be extended to encouraging all of our family members and "soccer supporters" in the GTA to boycott merchandise of the Leafs and Raptors.
As many people have pointed out we are consumers. We don't own the club and we'll never be able elect a different board. The only power we have is economic and if we want to stop this we have to use that power. Asking people to give up their season tickets now is unrealistic as this is something we've all waited a long time for and no one wants to lose their place in line pre-emptively. Plus, 2/3rds of TFC's fans at any game have season tickets that have already been paid for so there's no imeadiate economic impact for the club.
I've got many other thoughts on this idea but don't have time to expand on them yet.
---
Idea expansion #1: Why banners/chants/walk-outs won't make a difference.
Please understand though that I support doing all those things anyways!
However, other than possibley raise media attention to the issue (which could go either way in terms of media opinion) none of these are anything more than gestures of dissatisfaction by what would likely be written off as a vocal minority.
We need to get as many average, casual TFC fans involved as possible not just the internet fanatics. My perception is that a great many of the casuals will be just as angered about this as most of us are. One of the great selling points of TFC that got people to buy into the team was that the stadium was soccer-specific and that the team would be presented as a serious sport for serious soccer fans. All those ex-pats (especially UK ex-pats IMHO) who've been willing to support TFC as a second team because it was clear that MLSE understood what they wanted in a footy team will probably be the first to not renew seasons tickets if the prospect of gridiron lines arises! They're actually not as fervently devoted to the team (yet) as us (Canadian internet types) and would surely view this as a giant betrayal and typical North American BS.
Starting a boycott NOW would not only affect MLSE's bottom line immeadiately (even if they're still wildly profitable) but could also give them an inkling of the potential economic disaster down the road if they cock-up the goodwill they've created in our first year.
---
Idea Expansion #2: Most of our tickets are cheap anyways.
Seriously, do the math. Even at next year's raised prices the south stand represents a tiny fraction of TFC's revenue base.
I know I've probably spent 3 to 4 times as much money this season on beer and licensed gear as I did on my ticket. If you're in the south stand you actually pack a much greated economic punch in terms of the non-ticket money you spend on the team.
Also, as I said originally: who the hell wants to give up their tickets yet? A boycott lets us keep supporting the team but still shows our dissastisfaction with management.
---
Idea expansion 3: Make sure the website explains the whole sordid fiasco with the Argos almost killing the stadium originally.
Who the hell knows about this if they're not a compulsive Voyageurs's board follwer? The story of the York U. stadium is part of the context of why so many of us find this proposed move espcially noxious. Someone who has archived articles or access to old info should write a concise summary of how the Argo's almost desrtoyed the NSS a few years back by BACKING OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE!
Forget the excuse that it was a "business decision." You can make business decisions and NOT NEGOTIATE IN BAD FAITH (with a non-profit orgainzation to boot)! Stepping up to the plate and then backing out pissed off hardcore Argos fans too! They understood that the team was missing a golden oppurtunity for a proper stadium rather than being beholden to Uncle Teddy. Now they want to mess-up the stadium that WE'VE (not MLSE) made the envy of soccer fans north of the Rio Grande? Hang'em!
We need your help!
Alright everyone,
This blog is up and running but we need your help.
No one person is going to be single handedly able to stay on top of this evolving story. If you're interested in contributing to this blog get in touch with me via the U-Sector Forum (private messages work best) and I'd be more than happy to add you to the team that will hopefully keep this blog relevant.
Even if you don't support the boycott that's fine. People are going to disagree over tactics. That's only the be expected. However, as long as you don't want to see BMO Field changed to accomodate CFL footoball at the expense of the soccer fans (and players!) it was built for then we should be pulling in the same direction.
Toronto over all!
This blog is up and running but we need your help.
No one person is going to be single handedly able to stay on top of this evolving story. If you're interested in contributing to this blog get in touch with me via the U-Sector Forum (private messages work best) and I'd be more than happy to add you to the team that will hopefully keep this blog relevant.
Even if you don't support the boycott that's fine. People are going to disagree over tactics. That's only the be expected. However, as long as you don't want to see BMO Field changed to accomodate CFL footoball at the expense of the soccer fans (and players!) it was built for then we should be pulling in the same direction.
Toronto over all!
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