BMO Field - Toronto Argonauts
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
BMO Field 170 Princes' Blvd Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada
Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 28,180
Sail Away and Returning Home
The 2026 season has been one of the most difficult for the Toronto Argonauts. With Toronto as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, the Argos were displaced and hit the road for the first nine weeks of the CFL season. Returning home meant that the Argos had to deal with plenty of construction and other events at Exhibition Place. That being said, it is good to be home for the oldest gridiron football team in the world.
The Argonauts were established in 1873 as the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. Success has found the Argos on the field with their 19 Grey Cup Championships, most in the entire Canadian Football League. Argos have been a flashy team over the years boasting football stars like Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, Damon Allen, Raghib Ismail and Rickey Williams. The current Argos are led by the most beloved Argonaut of them all, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who acts as the General Manager. The Argos even boast Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and the iconic John Candy as former owners. The Argos are currently part of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment portfolio.
Home for the Argonauts is BMO Field. Built in 2007 on the grounds of their former home, Exhibition Stadium, BMO Field was originally conceived as the home for the National Soccer team of Canada. When the Argonauts were told that they would no longer be able to call the Rogers Centre home in 2016 a return to BMO Field seemed natural. Although not the most popular decision amongst soccer fans, the City of Toronto owned BMO Field has been a good home for the Argonauts, with a more appropriate size and far better sidelines than Rogers Centre.
Food & Beverage 5
The food selection at BMO Field is top notch. The main concession stands are the Food Junction stands and serve all of the expected stadium items including hot dogs, popcorn, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos. There are a number of specialty locations that serve more unique items that are worth checking out. Panini serves porchetta, smoked meat, and turkey club sandwiches along with Braised Beef Grilled Cheese. Frites serves a variety of fries and poutine including Jerk Chicken Poutine and Steak & Ale Pie Chips. Pizza Pizza is the purveyor of slices at BMO as well. The King Club bar has a massive selection of alcoholic beverages including a number of craft beer selections. For those who like to plan their culinary journey, the BMO Field website has a decent rundown of the concession options.
Atmosphere 3
The basic structure of the BMO Field is two large east and west grandstands, each with two decks. BMO Field lacks a specific grand entrance. Fans will enter from either the north or south ends, with little distinguishing one from the other. The exterior of BMO Field is not unattractive, but there is little to make it stand out.
The north end of the stadium is where the Argos locker room is, right inside Gate 1 and fans can get a glimpse of the team as they enter the field. The concourses are more functional than decorative and there are probably more markings for Toronto FC than the Argos.
Inside the grandstands, the field is north-south oriented. As part of their agreement with Toronto FC, there are no markings on the field itself other than the football lines. This means that for picture purposes both the east and west grandstands are equally photogenic. A new set of luxury boxes, a remnant from the World Cup, are found at the north in a large structure. A pair of videoboards in the northeast and southwest corners replaced the older, single board. The banners for the Argonauts’ nineteen Grey Cup Championships (1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022, 2024) blow constantly behind the north end zone. The banner honouring All-Time Argos (Les Ascott, Carl Brazley, Damon Allen, Michael Clemons, Royal Copeland, Jim Corrigall, Ulysses Curtis, Kevin Eiben, Dan Ferrone, Doug Flutie, Terry Greer, Rodney Harding, Ed Harrington, Lew Hayman, Condredge Holloway, Joe Krol, Marv Luster, Dave Mann, Peter Martin, Paul Masotti, Derrell Mitchell, Don Moen, Teddy Morris, Danny Nykoluk, Bob O’Billovich, Mike O’Shea, Ricky Ray, Jim Rountree, Chris Shultz, Dick Shatto, Jim Stillwagon, Bill Symons, and Bill Zock) has been moved under the press box on the west side of the stadium. Unfortunately the banner has type that is pretty small and difficult to see from a distance.
The gameday atmosphere is solid. The video presentations for the player entrances are excellent. The players enter from the northeast corner through an inflatable contraption and are lined by flags, smoke and pyro. The mascot, Jason, stands at the touchdown cannon in the northeast end, which is something the fans should be ready for, or else! The entry of the team on the field features pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flag bearers and just about everything one would need to get hyped for the game.The Argos dance team, The A-Team, which is co-ed, performs during some breaks in the action and on the sidelines. The Argonauts also feature traditional cheerleaders who perform gymnastic stunts more akin to college football rather than the pros. Overall a pretty solid atmosphere for a football game. A highlight of the pregame is the lighting of the cannon, which is a virtual lighting with the “spark” travelling around the stadium on the ribbon boards before returning to the cannon which is set off with sparklers signifying the beginning of the game. At the game that was reviewed, the celebrity lighting the cannon was the son of legendary comedian, and number one Argo fan, John Candy.
Neighbourhood 5
BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s.
BMO Field is shared with the Toronto FC. Coca-Cola Coliseum is across the parking lot and is the home of the Toronto Sceptres, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Tempo. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, sports fans should really try to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby.
Fans 3
Attendance at Toronto Argonaut games has been an issue for quite a while. The game that was reviewed, the first of the 2026 season, saw over 16,000 fans in attendance. In 2025, the Argonauts averaged just over 15,000 fans per game, ranking them last in the nine team CFL. There is plenty of room for growth in this area, but the sports landscape in Toronto is ridiculously crowded. That being said, the fans in attendance are as loud and passionate as most other CFL teams. The noise does not seem to match the attendance, which is a plus.
Access 4
BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Getting to Exhibition Place can be a challenge, as anything in Toronto can be. The Ex is immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although fans may think this is the quickest way to drive to the Ex, often a longer route on Lakeshore Blvd is the way to go, especially for those coming from the west.
There are a number of parking spots available for fans at Exhibition Place. It is important for fans to do some research before heading out to see the Argos. At times there are other events taking place at the Ex and parking is a real challenge. Even at the best of times, parking is not cheap and other options may be the best plan.
For fans who prefer the public transit route, Exhibition Place has some decent public transit options. There is a Go Transit station right by the Ex and this is probably the easiest form of public transit. A walk north of the Ex will bring fans through Liberty Village and eventually to some TTC options. Check out the Go Transit and TTC websites for fares, maps and schedules.
Getting around BMO Field is not too difficult and concourses are fairly spacious. Washroom facilities are also adequate for this venue.
With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Argonauts and BMO Field websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the stadium, including bag policy and prohibited items.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets for the Toronto Argonauts begin at $38 and go up to around $80. There are often ticket deals to be had, so an eagle-eyed fan can make out well. One of the highlights of the season is the CNE game, which gives fans access to the Canadian National Exhibition in late August along with their game ticket. Parking at Exhibition Place is definitely expensive and concession prices are about what one would expect. It is undeniable that a great time can be had at the Argo game and helps balance out the investment.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the longevity of the Argonauts as the oldest professional football team in the world.
An extra mark for the Argonauts’ top fan, former owner and movie legend, John Candy. Candy’s tenure as owner of the Argos with Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall was a highlight of the team’s duration including the signing of Rocket Ismail, the toast of the town, and a Grey Cup victory.
An extra mark for the huge rivalry with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which culminates in the Labour Day Classic in Hamilton, the biggest date on the CFL calendar.
Final Thoughts
The Toronto Argonauts continue to fight and claw their way into the consciousness of the local sports fan in Toronto. Taking in an Argo game at BMO Field is definitely a positive experience, one that more fans need to experience.
