Bob McCowan - Real grass at the Rogers Centre by 2014/2015

[changes]

Just heard this on the fan. He said talks have already taken place, it's at 50%-100% chance of happening, probably by 2015, possibly as early as 2014. The Argos have been advised to start looking for another venue.

Sounds like great news to me, thoughts?

[9er_4life]

Hello realgm'ers,

So McCowan just responded to a caller on his show stating that he's heard that within two years the RC will have natural grass. Apparently Rogers has already told the Argos to start looking for a new home at that time. McCowan hasn't been able to find someone to confirm it, but he suspects it's in the offing (based on his 'sources' I presume). This is something I really hope is true.

Now, I love the old-school ballparks, but realistically we're stuck at the RC for the next 20 years or so. If grass is being worked on, what else do you think they could do to enhance the experience at the ballpark?

Personally, I'd like to see new seating that's a little more spacious, and that would cut down maximum occupancy somewhat to the 40-45,000 range. (Expanded with standing room for playoffs). I'd also like to see improved concessions/washrooms in the upper deck - if our attendance is going up, there's going to be a lot more people up there and right now the service up there is terrible.

Anyone else have any suggestions as to what you'd like to see?

[LittleOzzy]

A 50% chance? That doesn't sound too promising to me.

I'm happy that the Argos are moving. They deserve their own stadium in Toronto.

[overdose]

Would be great...if they do end up renovating the Dome i hope they do something with windows, it has potential to be a really cool space.

[Waylon Mercy]

lol just heard this thought someone would start a thread on it. Lets cross our fingers
and hope its true.

[dagger]

A 50% chance? That doesn't sound too promising to me.

I'm happy that the Argos are moving. They deserve their own stadium in Toronto.

So does TFC

So do the Blue Jays

But as taxpayers we paid for BMO Field and the Rogers Centre - do we have to pay for the Argos' stadium, too?

No effing way.

It's too bad the Argos and Tiger Cats didn't bite on the idea of a joint stadium in Burlington.

[Lateral Quicks]

I hope that means the Dome is open more often, even when it's on the cool and gray side. I much prefer catching ball games in the open air.

If they do that plus something with all the exposed concrete, that'll improve the spectator experience considerably.

[overdose]

A 50% chance? That doesn't sound too promising to me.

I'm happy that the Argos are moving. They deserve their own stadium in Toronto.

So does TFC

So do the Blue Jays

But as taxpayers we paid for BMO Field and the Rogers Centre - do we have to pay for the Argos' stadium, too?

No effing way.

It's too bad the Argos and Tiger Cats didn't bite on the idea of a joint stadium in Burlington.

Isn't a football/track stadium being built at york for the Pan Am games. I assume that is where they would go, no?

[TheFreshPrince]

How do they take care of grass in a dome? Will they just leave the roof open the majority of the summer months?

And no way the Argo's deserve a new arena. The only way I'm helping pay for a football arena is if the NFL is coming to Toronto.

[TheFreshPrince]

A 50% chance? That doesn't sound too promising to me.

I'm happy that the Argos are moving. They deserve their own stadium in Toronto.

So does TFC

So do the Blue Jays

But as taxpayers we paid for BMO Field and the Rogers Centre - do we have to pay for the Argos' stadium, too?

No effing way.

It's too bad the Argos and Tiger Cats didn't bite on the idea of a joint stadium in Burlington.

Isn't a football/track stadium being built at york for the Pan Am games. I assume that is where they would go, no?

Not that I know of and I'm there almost daily. The subway is taking up so much time and space though so maybe it's going on in the background not to my knowledge.

[SCF99]

this is long over due. Grass in the dome would be the cats grASS....i am sure it would be a great benifit to the team. Way easier onthe players maybe more players wouldn't flinch about coming to play hereand have longer playing careers etc.

[overdose]

Isn't a football/track stadium being built at york for the Pan Am games. I assume that is where they would go, no?

Not that I know of and I'm there almost daily. The subway is taking up so much time and space though so maybe it's going on in the background not to my knowledge.

well this is what is supposed to be built by 2015

http://www.stadia-magazine.com/news.php?NewsID=44708

[Raps in 4]

Why can't the Argos play at BMO?

[TheFreshPrince]

Isn't a football/track stadium being built at york for the Pan Am games. I assume that is where they would go, no?

Not that I know of and I'm there almost daily. The subway is taking up so much time and space though so maybe it's going on in the background not to my knowledge.

well this is what is supposed to be built by 2015

http://www.stadia-magazine.com/news.php?NewsID=44708

There's definitely construction going on around the track and field centre. But like I said, with the subway construction it's tough to tell what's what. I guess they are building this though, but the question is if it will be big enough for the Argos.

[engageTHEmasses]

I'd like to see a more festive game-day experience... all the new 'retro' parks are really making a push to make the experience as a whole more entertaining... rides, exhibits, etc... we can't quite do what they do, but I think we could do a lot to improve the feeling in there.

I like dropping to 40,000/45,000 in capacity for better seating, Windows def. needs to be utilized, some more culturally diverse stuff-- food, booths, etc.-- could really help sell one of the high points of being in T.O.

As for the concrete-- once we get natural grass, maybe we carpet the seating area's concrete with the old astroturf? lol

[LittleOzzy]

Why can't the Argos play at BMO?

It wasn't built big enough thank God.

They measured, CFL field will not fit.

[Chevy Chase]

Forget about reduced seating capacity. This year figures to sell out more often then not, so Rogers will want every seat available.

I do agree that the upper deck concession are a disaster. High school cafeteria food at fine dinning prices. I don't expect sushi and mixed drinks, but its embarrassing that Costco puts out a better hot dog (and at $1.50 including a soft drink). Also, who are they kidding with those "tall boys". I never drink at the park because I just refuse to pay that much for crappy beer. The real issue with the Rogers center (and the reason why the Bills don't do well there) is there is no parking lot in which to tailgate. The busker playing drums in the south exit does what he can to improve the pre-game atmosphere but its still pretty weak. Mind you, there's nothing like winning to get a crowd going.

[jaymeister15]

Also, who are they kidding with those "tall boys".

I agree food/drinks are overpriced, just like every stadium (although I think the best bang for your buck is the roast beef sandwhiches, pretty decent size for 9 or 10 dollars I think---and imo better than the ones you would get at an average sports bar)...but anyways, not sure what you mean by the above, their tall boys are the same ones you would buy from anywhere else.

[Chevy Chase]

No, they have tall boy cans made specially for the ball park. If you buy Tall Boys at a bar or at the beer store they are 1.5 times the size of a regular can. At the skydome they are a specially designed can that's the same as a regular beer can, but in a taller shape so as to fool you into thinking you're getting a deal.

And the roast beef sandwiches at the ACC (especially the ones you can buy downstairs in the season ticket area are exceptional. Hand carved when you order it and served with three different types of mustard + horseradish + steak spice seasoning. Only thing better is the $35 burger from the Platinum Lounge.

[LittleOzzy]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhh2WjZ7-uk[/youtube]

Watch this video on beer in ball parks.