Poll says Argos, CFL more popular in Toronto than BMO Field co-tenant TFC
The Toronto FC have so far occupied BMO Field without the obligation of sharing the stadium with any other Toronto-based club.
But with new Toronto Argonauts ownership confirmed on Wednesday, the MLS squad is going to have to compromise.
The Argos and TFC will share BMO Field beginning in 2016. The move makes many TFC fans wary because they feel the pitch will be chewed up and worn out with constant activity - leaving the field in unfavorable conditions for their beloved soccer squad.
TFC had a good thing going for them with BMO field, too bad they have to share it with a CFL team now. There goes the quality of the field
— Ken (@pursuit23) May 21, 2015
Although TFC followers believe their space is being impeded by the Argos, a recent study from the University of Lethbridge reveals disparaging popularity between Canadian football and European football in Toronto.
The study was conducted by University of Lethbridge sociology professor Reginald Bibby, who claims to have monitored sport-specific social trends in Canada for four decades.
His findings conclude that 21 per cent of Toronto - and Ontario as a whole - closely track the CFL. The number of MLS supporters is a meager 12 per cent, while that number is reduced to 10 per cent for Ontario, collectively.
It suggests Argos attendance will top that of TFC's on game days - a positive for the newly acquired CFL team.
But there is a lack of support overall for both squads, as evidenced by their low percentages.
Mike Hogan of TSN posed the question via Twitter on Thursday, surveying what the atmosphere might be like when the two clubs share BMO Field.
Some were uninterested in the idea.
@tsnmikehogan Still no interest for me. I will also give up my season seats for TFC. Not interested in Football at BMO.
— Steve Leggett (@steveleggett) May 21, 2015
Others were excited to go to BMO.
@tsnmikehogan Yes. I go to a few a year at the Dome, but I'll go to a lot more at BMO.
— Dave Shreeve (@DaveShreeve) May 21, 2015
Another individual was undeterred, even devising a plan to mitigate the swooping winds from blowing away his hat on windy days at BMO.
@tsnmikehogan a. but will need to add a chinstrap to my infamous defence antennaed cowboy hat for windy days lol
— *~Miss D~* (@SweetDsArgoFan) May 21, 2015
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