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The Home Turf of The Argos: Unravelling the Legacy of Toronto's Football Titans

A Brief Overview of the Toronto Argonauts

The Toronto Argonauts ("Argos" for short) are a professional Canadian football team from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They're known as a bold and resilient part of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Argos have a proud history dating back to 1873, making them the oldest existing professional sports team in North America that still uses its original name.

The Argonauts’ First Homes

The Argos have moved through numerous stadiums since their creation. Their initial games were held at Rosedale Field, an athletic field in downtown Toronto that was also used for many other sports. In 1898, they left Rosedale for the Varsity Stadium, a venue with higher seating capacity, and stayed there for almost 60 years.

The Move to the Exhibition Stadium

In 1959, the Argos relocated to the Exhibition Stadium. This served as their home base until 1988 when, following concerns about the stadium's multiple-use design, and specifically the troublesome baseball sightlines for football, they moved once again. It is interesting to note that the Exhibition Stadium is where the Argos secured the Grey Cup in 1983, ending a 31-year championship drought.

The SkyDome/Rogers Centre Era

In 1989, the Argos landed in the state-of-the-art SkyDome, known as Rogers Centre after 2005. This venue had a retractable roof, the first of its kind in the world. The stadium proudly hosted the Argos from 1989 to 2015. The SkyDome/Rogers Centre era was highly eventful, witnessing several Grey Cup victories (1991, 1996, 1997, and 2004).

The Argos in the BMO Field

In 2016, the Argos officially made the BMO Field their home and have firmly established their presence there. BMO Field is primarily a soccer stadium, home of Toronto FC, and underwent significant renovation to accommodate CFL football requirements. Located in the Exhibition Place, the BMO Field offers an exhilarating outdoor environment, amping up the excitement for fans of the Argos. The team's move to the BMO Field marked another thrilling chapter in its rich history, and the players wasted no time in making the venue their own by capturing the Grey Cup during their first season at BMO Field in 2016.

The BMO Field Atmosphere

The atmosphere in BMO Field during an Argos' game is electric. Argos' fans, commonly known as the "Argo Lifers," are incredibly dedicated and passionate, making every game an event to remember. The sea of double blue jerseys amongst the spectators, the riveting cheers, and the innumerable waving flags all breathe life into the city's sports culture.

Conclusion

From Rosedale Field to BMO Field, each home of the Toronto Argonauts has left an enduring mark on Canada's sporting landscape. Today, the Argonauts continue their legacy at the BMO Field, a venue that encapsulates the spirit of Toronto and sets the stage for unforgettable football moments. With its stunning backdrop of the Toronto skyline, BMO Field provides the ideal setting for a new generation of Argos fans to witness the tenacity and teamwork of this historic team. The Toronto Argonauts' story is far from over, with the team ready to forge new memories, score more victories, and continue their legendary journey in the bustling heart of Toronto at BMO Field.