Toronto Argonauts to use University of Guelph as home for first half of season

The Toronto Argonauts will be staying in Guelph for a little longer than usual. CTV’s Colton Wiens explains.

The Toronto Argonauts are returning to the University of Guelph for spring training again in this year, but this time the Boatmen will spend more time in the Royal City.

The Argos will spend the first half of their season in Guelph because they are being displaced from BMO field due to the FIFA World Cup in Toronto June 11 to July 19.

“So, they will be here for a couple extra months. Our operations teams worked very, very well together. So, they are currently working out all of those details. Regular training will be happening in our facilities, and then any of the games will be played on the road,” Sarah Mau, interim director of athletics and recreation at the University of Guelph, said.

The Boatmen will use Guelph as their site for training and practice.

“Our university conference services and hospitality services are very involved with the Toronto Argos being on our campus. So they help with food, with accommodation and have a really great full service experience for them here,” Mau said.

Like other recent years, the Argos will allow the public to come see some of their training camp. They’ll also host a pre-season game against Hamilton on May 29 at Alumni Stadium.

“There’s sort of a lift of tourism that comes to the town as well, because people want to see them. It’s kind of neat to see some professional football players walking around town enjoying some of the amenities that we have going to the same restaurants,” Cam Guthrie, Mayor of Guelph, said.

As for scheduling, the Argos will spend the first half of their season playing their games on the road and are expected to be back at BMO Field before the U Sports season gets underway.

The university said there shouldn’t be any conflicts with their team, but the Gryphons coaches will likely do some professional development with Toronto’s staff.

“This will be their sixth consecutive season doing pre-season training at our beautiful Alumni Stadium. Using our facilities, like the field, the strength and conditioning centre, as well as our facilities inside. They love it here. It’s always exciting to have them here in the city,” Mau said.

Mau said the field does get used during the summer and they’re working on the fine details with all involved.

Tickets for that pre-season game on May 29 are already on sale and can be purchased online.