Toronto’s BMO is field of dreams, Leiweke says
The Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC have two things in common this season: their venue, and their claims as the best in their leagues. Former TFC head honcho Tim Leiweke doesn’t think that’s a coincidence.
BMO Field, a soccer-first facility near the shores of Lake Ontario just west of the heart of downtown Toronto, is the site of a successful CFL-MLS ground share. With the Argonauts fresh off a Grey Cup and TFC a win away from a shot at the MLS Cup, the naysayers who said BMO couldn’t be shared are silent.
“The reality is I don’t think the Argos could have pulled off what they just pulled off without BMO Field,” the ex-Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO said.
“I think as much pain as we went through, with everyone shooting at us, I think it has worked out extremely well for the Argos and TFC and Toronto. Mayor (John) Tory should be smiling today because of the bet he made at leading the charge to redoing these facilities.”
While Toronto is enjoying a venue that’s among the best in North American soccer, the Columbus Crew — who TFC will host at BMO on Wednesday — are reeling after owner Anthony Precourt threatened relocation due to crumbling infrastructure and a lack of interest.
“I hope they work it out in Columbus, but at the end of the day the league is in a very different place than it was when they built (Mapfre Stadium),” Vanney said. “You look at these brand new stadiums and the economics they’re generating, and you have to have one of those to be competitive.
“I get what they’re going through and they have to find a solution. It’s no different than you see in the NHL or the NBA or the most successful league in the world, the NFL, which has three teams that have moved.”