Brandon Whitaker (3) of the Toronto Argonauts during the game against the Montreal Alouettes at BMO Field in Toronto, ON. Monday, July 25, 2016. (Photo: Johany Jutras)
A new era of Toronto Argonauts Football will kickoff on Thursday, June 8, when the Argos take the field for the first time under Head Coach Marc Trestman.
A number of notable offseason acquisitions are set to make their preseason debut for the Argos on Thursday. Defensive backs Johnny Sears Jr. and Rico Murray, as well as quarterback Jeff Mathews, will premiere in Double Blue, after making the trip up the QEW from Hamilton during free agency. Meanwhile, Marcus Ball and Cleyon Laing will both return to the field for the Argos after re-signing with the club this offseason. Ball, a 2012 Grey Cup champion with the Argos, returns following NFL stops with New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carolina. Laing, a former second round CFL Draft pick of the team, spent time with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2016 before going on a Grey Cup run with the Ottawa Redblacks.
All six of the Argos 2017 CFL Draft picks will hit the field for their first CFL preseason snaps, including 10th overall selection Mason Woods.
All in all, the Argos will dress 49 newcomers on Thursday night, including 32 players with no prior CFL regular season experience. Of the latter group, some notable names include former FSU running back James Wilder Jr., former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Victor Butler and electrifying return man Martese Jackson.
Thursday’s game will provide players with an opportunity to showcase their talents in live action for the first time since arriving at Training Camp on May 28, after two hard weeks of practicing at York University. The players who set themselves apart in the preseason will return on Sunday, June 25, when the Argos kick off the regular season slate with the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats in town.
Tailgating
Tailgating is BACK! This season we will be tailgating at the Ontario Place Lot 2 where we will once again be serving $4 ice cold beers. Thursday’s tailgate opens at 4:30 pm. You will need to purchase a tailgate pass to enter the lot with your car. Fans who are walking in will need to have a game ticket.
Planning Your Visit to BMO Field
This week, lots 1, 3 and 4 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.
Important notes for tomorrow’s game:
- Entry gates open at 6:30 pm
- No outside food or drink allowed into the stadium
- For banners or instruments needing approval, please visit Gate 3B Guest Services prior to entering the stadium (Please click HERE for a list of restricted items)
If you are attending BMO Field for the first time, their website has some very useful information.
For those who are using public transit please click here.
For other general information about BMO Field, please click here.
