Whether the hometown fans like it or not, the CFL’s Argonauts are “revolutionizing the game day experience by bringing tailgating” to their parking lot. A staple of American football, with some key restrictions, no longer will be absent north of the border.
“I strongly believe that with the Argos moving to the beautifully renovated BMO Field, they have the opportunity to be wildly successful,” Toronto mayor John Tory said. “Offering tailgating is going to make the new Argos experience even better.”
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Despite what the Toronto Star calls “a glacial courtship” between professional sports and alcohol in the city, Tory is correct. Hear us out.
We understand why You the North think negatively about tailgating. But don’t let your American neighbor, who hosts one of the NFL’s more ridiculous pre-game scenes, create the perception. Thankfully, few do it like Buffalo.
That’s … not normal.
The truth about tailgating, for the most part, is a calm, traditional and prideful atmosphere that breeds camaraderie. The smell of propane and/or charcoal, the taste of food cooked by said propane and/or charcoal, the sounds from a blend of musical preferences and the sight of team representation often combine to create an experience some prefer over the game itself.
“We intend this to be a family event and everyone will have the opportunity to throw the ball around with the people that they’re here with,” Argos president Michael Copeland said, via CBC News. “It’s part of football culture and it will become part of Argos culture.”
This won’t be your typical, bring-your-own-beer tailgate, of course. Fans will be able to purchase beer in the designated lot, in which spots will need to be pre-purchased. Everything else — grills, games, music, socialization — is fair game. It’s a giant leap in a fun direction, and the BYOB restriction should filter out those pyrotechnic Bills fans.
MORE: College football’s best tailgate scenes
Tory accurately called tailgating a “right of passage” for football fans. That’s the fact of the matter.
This culture adjustment, like many forms of change, is good. Just remember that body-slamming a burning fold-up table is bad.
