August 11, 2016

Argos set to Host Bombers Friday Night Under the Lights

The Toronto Argonauts (4-2) return to BMO Field on Friday night under the lights to host their first West Division opponent, the streaking Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-4).

The Argonauts return to action following their first of two bye weeks this season. Friday night’s matchup will be the Argonauts first of a three-game homestand in the month of August. Toronto,  who currently sits first in the East Division with a game in hand on the Ottawa REDBLACKS, will be looking to extend their win streak to three games after posting convincing wins over East Division opponents, Montreal and Ottawa in Week 5 and 6.

The Double Blue enter Friday night’s tilt with the Blue Bombers having won the last three meetings and hold an 8-2 record vs. Winnipeg in the Milanovich era. The Week 8 clash between the two clubs will see the league’s top two defences in forced turnovers and turnover ratio go toe-to-toe – Winnipeg (21, +8), Toronto (15, +6).

Fans attending Friday night’s game at BMO Field are encouraged to arrive early to take full advantage of the Argonauts game day experience. Tailgating will be in full effect in the Ontario Place parking lot starting at 4:30pm.

In addition to the traditional tailgate at Ontario Place, Double Blue faithful are invited to experience the pre-game FanFest at Bandshell Park starting at 4:30pm, located west of the stadium and behind Muzik Night Club. Hot food and ice cold drinks, including $4 beers, will be available, as well as pre-game entertainment. Due to the ongoing setup and configuration of the upcoming Canadian National Exhibition, which opens next weekend, fans are encouraged to take public transit (GO Train or TTC) as parking will be limited on the Exhibition grounds over the course of the next three home games. On Friday night lots 1, 2, 5 and 6 will be open and available for parking.

Argos fans attending home games on August 20 and August 31, will be granted free admission to the CNE with a game ticket. Considering this is a great pre-game entertainment option, the Shipyard will be going on summer vacation and will be back for our Labour Day Classic Rematch against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, September 11.

The Argos, led by rookie quarterback Logan Kilgore, who was one of just 14 quarterbacks to have thrown for 300+ yards in their CFL debut since 1995, will be joined by a few fresh legs when the Boatmen take the field on Friday. Receiver/ kick returner Diontae Spencer, Canadian defensive lineman Brian Bulcke, and the Argos third overall 2016 CFL Draft pick, Brian Jones- all of whom have spent the first third of the season on the six-game injured list- will make their 2016 debuts.

Here is a breakdown of everything that is happening in and around Friday night’s game:

  • Argos Cheerleaders will be selling their 2016 Argos Cheerleader calendar, presented by RedTag and produced by Visual Arcade, at the Fanfest as well as in-stadium. The 2016 calendar will also be available at Argos Shop kiosks in-stadium. A portion of the calendar   proceeds and Alumni Cheer ticket sales will be donated to Tealpower to help raise awareness and raise crucial funds for cervical cancer research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
  • Over 125 former Argos Cheerleaders, spanning from 1940-2000’s will reunite on Friday night to take the field for a routine at halftime
  • The Team Shop kiosks at BMO Field will feature all the latest and freshest Argos adidas sideline gear as well as the exclusive Argos collection.
  • The Argos will host a pre-game FanFest at Bandshell Park, located west of the stadium and behind Muzik Night Club, starting at 4:30pm. Hot food and cold $4 beers, will be available, as well as some pre-game entertainment.
  • Parking will be limited on the Exhibition Grounds due to the on setup and configuration of the upcoming Canadian National Exhibition on Friday night. Parking lots 1, 2, 5 and 6 will be open and available for fans to park in.