Veteran quarterback Ricky Ray will make his return to the Toronto Argonauts (4-4) lineup on Wednesday night at BMO Field at 7:30 p.m. as the Double Blue get set to host the surging BC Lions (6-3) in their second home game during the Canadian National Exhibition.
Ray returns to the helm of the Argonauts offence after missing the last three regular season games due to a knee injury. Ray enters Week 11 having completed 73.7% of his passing attempts for 1,235 yards and nine touchdowns to just one interception. The veteran hit a number of milestones in 2016 prior to getting hurt in Week 5, moving into fourth on the CFL’s all-time passing yards list (53,721) in Week 4 while also sliding into second on the Argos’ all-time passing touchdowns list (80) during the team’s Week 5 win over Montreal at home.
In addition to Ray returning from injury this week, the Argonauts will see OL Greg Van Roten, DL Tracy Robertson, DB Joe Rankin and WR Tori Gurley suit up for the Double Blue as they look to snap a two-game losing streak. In hope of sweeping their season series with the BC Lions for the first-time since 2001, an Argonauts win on Wednesday will also secure the club the advantage of sitting first place in the East Division at halfway point of the season and heading into their hostile Labour Day Classic matchup next week.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early on Wednesday to experience all potential pre-game options. Tailgating in the Ontario Place parking lot will be in full effect yet again on Wednesday night. As per usual $4 ice cold beer will be available for purchase starting at 4:30 p.m. In addition to the Ontario Place tailgate, fans attending the game have access to this year’s Canadian National Exhibition with their game ticket.
Due to the setup of the Canadian National Exhibition, fans are encouraged to take public transit (GO Train or TTC) as parking will be limited on the Exhibition grounds on Wednesday night. This week, lots 1, 2, 5 and 6 will be open and available for parking. The Enercare Centre’s underground garage, Gore Lot (East of Strachan Ave) and Ontario Place will also have parking spots available.
Here is a breakdown of everything that is happening in and around Wednesday night’s game:
• Tickets to the game between the Toronto Argonauts and BC Lions gain you free admission to the Canadian National Exhibition, before or after the game.
• Tailgating in the Ontario Place parking lot will be in full effect yet again on Wednesday afternoon starting at 4:30 p.m. Cold beer will be sold for $4 until 45 minutes before kickoff.
• An Argonauts win on Wednesday will mark the first-time since 2001 that the club has swept their season series with the BC Lions and move the team into first place in a tight East Division race.