ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts are pleased to announce that, through a partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, a new practice facility for the team will be located at Downsview Park in Toronto. The facility is expected to be ready in August of this year.
The Argonauts’ new practice home will be adjacent to the TFC KIA Training Ground & Academy and near the Downsview Park football field. Facilities will include the team’s locker rooms, therapy rooms and team meeting rooms. The Argonauts will license the Downsview CFL regulation turf football field already in place on the site. Offices for coaches will be housed within the current TFC facility. A new parking lot will also be installed for members of the media and fans who attend practices.
Commented Argonauts Executive Chairman & CEO Chris Rudge, “This investment will provide the team with an appropriate training and practice environment for the foreseeable future. It is a major step forward in building a stronger franchise and will contribute significantly to helping our football operations staff to focus on building a team that will continue to contend for the Grey Cup on an annual basis. I applaud the patience and resolve of our entire football club while we have worked to make this facility become a reality.”
While the facility is being completed, the Argos will continue to practice at York University. An official timeline for move in will be provided upon construction completion.
“Downsview Park has served as world-class grounds for Toronto FC’s practice facility since 2012 and we saw this partnership as an opportunity to assist the Argos in their search for a new training home,” said Bob Hunter, Chief Project Development Officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “A dedicated training facility is instrumental to the success of any team and we know the Argos will benefit for years to come.”
Remarked Argonauts General Manager Jim Barker, “We are pleased that we will now have a home of our own. This will help in many ways, particularly in allowing our players and coaches to focus on the season and their game preparation.”
The team had previously practiced on the campus of the University of Toronto Mississauga for the past 18 years before moving to York University during 2014 training camp.