The Toronto Argonauts will land at the Canadian National Exhibition this weekend for the first time since 1988. Fans attending Saturday’s game will have the opportunity to attend two of the cities hottest ticketed events this weekend with their ticket to the Argos home game vs. the Edmonton Eskimos at 4 pm.
Argos fans are encouraged turn the CNE into their own FanFest and take full advantage of the experience before and after Saturday’s game. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Exhibition, which opens this weekend:
Parking:
Due to the setup Canadian National Exhibition, 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 two home games (August 20 & August 31). This weekend parking will be available to fans in the following lots::
- Enercare Centre’s underground garage
- Gore Lot (East of Strachan Ave)
- Lot P (under Gardiner Expressway, access from Manitoba Dr and Fleet St)
- Lot 1 (Partially open)
- Lot 2 (Partially open)
- Lot 5
- Lot 6
- Ontario Place
Additional parking can be found in Liberty Village and is a short walk from Ricoh & BMO via the GO Station underground walkway. Parking is very limited due to high demand, public transit is highly recommended.
Bicycle Parking:
Fans looking to enjoy the weather and take a leisurely bike ride in for Saturday’s game, bicycle parking will be available outside the Saskatchewan Gate (west end at Dufferin) and the Princes’ Gates (east end of grounds at Strachan).
Access to the Exhibition Grounds:
Fans heading to BMO Field for Saturday’s tilt with the Eskimos will be able to access the Canadian National Exhibition on game day with their game ticket. Here is a breakdown how to access the Exhibition Grounds, including public transit routes:
- Available CNE gates are:
- GO Station
- Dufferin St & Saskatchewan Rd
- Ontario Place West Bridge
- Ontario Place East Bridge
- Princes’ Gate
- Manitoba Dr. Gate (near Fleet St)
- Ontario Dr. Gate (access from Lake Shore Blvd)
- TTC Routes:
- 193 Exhibition Express Bus/Rocket
From Dundas West Subway Station: the 193 Exhibition Rocket takes you directly to the Dufferin Gates Loop (no other stops) - 511 Bathurst Streetcar
From Bathurst Subway Station: the 511 Bathurst Streetcar south brings you to the Exhibition Loop - 29 Dufferin Bus
From Dufferin Subway Station: the 29 Dufferin Bus south brings you to the Dufferin Gates Loop - 509 Harbourfront Streetcar
From Union Station: the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar brings you to the Exhibition Loop
- 193 Exhibition Express Bus/Rocket
- GO Transit:
- Lakeshore train service runs every 30 minutes, every day of the week, between 9 am and 1 am.
- Niagara weekend train service includes arrivals and departures at the Niagara and St. Catharines VIA Stations.
- Barrie weekend train service connects to the Lakeshore West train at Union Station.
- Labour Day Weekend Train Service: to and from the CNE on the Milton, Kitchener & Stoufville lines.
Ticket Process
- Patrons who have their tickets can get into the CNE for free on game day
- Fans looking to pick up tickets at BMO Field’s Will Call booth will need to purchase a CNE deposit ticket which will be refunded by the Ticket Office when picking up/purchasing a TFC/Argos ticket for that day
Prohibited Items
- Food purchased outside on the CNE grounds will not be allowed entry into BMO Field
- Strollers, large stuffed animals, prizes, umbrellas can be checked in at any of the three Fan Services locations (Gate 1, 3, or 500L)
Drop Offs
- Drop offs can be done on Ontario Drive which is only accessible from Lake Shore Blvd. This location is a short walk to BMO Field’s Gate 4.
Parades
- Warriors’ Day Parade – Saturday, August 20th from 10:30am – 11:30am
- Mardi Gras Parade – takes place daily at 6:00pm – timing to be adjusted on game days to avoid issues with player load-in – alternate times TBC
CNE ACTRACTIONS:
The 2016 Canadian National Exhibition offers a variety of attractions, ranging from performances, games and rides, the casino to exhibitions and shows. You also can’t forget don’t forget crazy and exotic food offerings dispersed throughout the grounds. See CNE Attractions here.
Each year, more than one million people visit the Toronto Star Food Building for the unique experience that makes it a Toronto institution. With local restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, offering a vibrant and varied mix of international flavours and traditional fair favourites, there really is something to suit every taste and budge
- Food Truck Frenzy
- Food Truck Frenzy is returning to the CNE in 2016! Situated on Princes’ Boulevard just inside the historic Princes’ Gates, in front of the Allstream Centre and Enercare Centre, the Frenzy will feature a wide variety of tasty treats! Check out which Food Trucks will be present at this year’s CNE
- Craft Beer Fest
- In the heart of the Food Truck Frenzy, 12 master brewers will sample their locally crafted beers! See all 2016 participating Craft Beer Partners.
- Ribfest
- A crowd pleaser, a succulent Ribfest will be present at Bandshell Park! Ribbers from evribwhere won’t want to miss this fabulous feast as a multitude of rib masters compete to win “best rib recipe”
- Bars & Restaurants at the CNE
- The CNE will have a variety of dining options to accompany your pre and post game hunger or thirst
- Bandshell Concerts on Saturday, August 20
- Randy Bachman
- Jefferson Starship
- Jane’s Party will open
- CBC & The Tragically Hip present The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration