CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge optimisitic on Toronto market despite struggles
TORONTO — CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge remains optimistic about the CFL’s future in Toronto despite a disappointing season from the home-town Argonauts and lagging ticket sales for Sunday’s Grey Cup game.
Under new ownership, expectations were high for the Argonauts heading into the 2016 season as they moved from the domed Rogers Centre to the outdoor BMO Field. But the season was marked by disappointments. Toronto (5-13) finished last in the East Division and posted a dismal 2-7-0 record at home, averaging just 16,380 spectators at the 26,500-seat stadium with no sellouts.
Orridge preached patience Friday during his annual state-of-the-league address.
“Things don’t happen overnight,” he said. “We all wish they would’ve sold out every game . . . it didn’t happen this year but let’s be optimistic because we know we’re doing the right things, all the elements are in place, we’re going to get better.