Bills stealing Argos’ thunder
Flags at Rogers tout NFL team
TORONTO They’re the defending Grey Cup champions getting ready to face their arch rivals at Rogers Centre on Sunday with a trip to this year’s CFL championship game on the line.
But the Toronto Argonauts aren’t getting top billing at their home stadium.
Hanging from the light posts around Rogers Centre are Buffalo Bills flags promoting their Dec. 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons. And that doesn’t sit well with Argos linebacker Marcus Ball.
“It is disheartening, somewhat of a bitter feeling,” Ball said following Friday’s practice at Rogers Centre.
“I know that’s not true because I know the Double Blue will be strong, loud and proud here Sunday afternoon.
“But I mean, those guys (Bills) play here in December. It’s November and we play here Sunday.”
Toronto plays host to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East final Sunday, the first time since 1986 the longtime rivals have met in a conference championship. But there were no visible advertisements for the game outside Rogers Centre and the only indication inside was a small sign in an elevator.
The Argos, owned by Hamilton businessman and Tory senator David Braley, are a tenant at Rogers Centre.
The stadium is owned by Rogers Communications Inc., which also owns the facility’s prime tenant, the Toronto Blue Jays.
In 2007, Rogers paid the Bills $78 million US for the right to stage select Buffalo home games at Rogers Centre from 2008-’12.
The deal was extended five more years in January.
Calls to Rogers officials weren’t immediately returned Friday.
“Why are there Buffalo Bills flags flying all around the Rodgers Centre?? This is our house. #EASTFINAL #Argos # Bigproblemwiththat,” Ball tweeted.
“It caught me off guard,” he said afterward. “It’s something that caught my eye and it was (for) a moment.
“I haven’t had time to retweet or delete it so, yeah, you caught me.”
There’s no doubt in Ball’s mind Rogers Centre will be hopping Sunday.
“It’s going to be the closest thing to (last year’s) Grey Cup,” Ball said.