Argos ready for their home opener against Calgary Stampeders

The Toronto Argonauts are only one week away from their 2010 home opener on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Centre, presented by the Toronto Sun, as new head coach Jim Barker and CFL all-star receiver Jeremaine Copeland get set to avenge their former team, the Calgary Stampeders, in a rematch of the Canada Day season opener. Argos QB Cleo Lemon will make his regular season home debut, as GTA natives Andre Durie and Jason Pottinger are slated to make their first starts at home.

 

Fans who arrive early should head to Gate 11 where rock band No Currency will perform and a Community Crew BBQ will grill up sausages from Marc Angelo with proceeds going to the Ajax-Pickering Dolphins.  There will be a silent auction at Gate 9A to benefit the programs of The Argos Foundation. The Canadian Forces will perform the anthem as a Canadian flag is unfurled at midfield.  Coin toss duties will be handled by Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Rouleau, and 12 troops from the Navy, Air Force and Army will accompany the Argos starters for player introductions.

 

The first 10,000 people to arrive at the game will receive a 2010 Double Blue magnet schedule.  Grassroots football will be featured prominently as the Halton Cowboys will form the Argos fan tunnel and scrimmage at halftime and the Markham Raiders will play on the field pre-game.  The St. Mikes Drumline will be in attendance and the 2010 Argos Cheerleaders have prepared a special halftime performance featuring Jason the Argos mascot.  Youth from AB Dance in Markham will also perform at halftime.

 

The gameday trio of in-stadium announcer Nathan Downer, game day host Mark Strong and Argos DJ Scott Boogie will get the crowd going as new videos and in-game features will thrill fans.

 

After the game, fans are invited to head over to the Official Post-Game Party at Jack Astor’s,144 Front Street West, to say hi to some of your favourite Argos players and the 2010 Argos Cheerleaders, presented by the Toronto Sun.  The party will also feature a Budweiser special.