I stood on the sidelines at BMO Field yesterday, watching the familiar electric tension build between Toronto’s Argonauts and their longtime rivals, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. There’s something uniquely captivating about these preseason matchups that even after covering dozens of them, still draws me in completely.
The Argos and Ticats kicked off their 2024 exhibition schedule with their traditional rivalry game, marking the unofficial start of CFL football season in Southern Ontario. While preseason games typically lack the high stakes of regular-season battles, this matchup carries a different energy – one that Toronto football fans have been eagerly anticipating through the long winter months.
“These preseason games are critical evaluation opportunities,” Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie told me after practice last week. “We’ve got about 20 roster spots genuinely up for competition right now, and performances against Hamilton will factor heavily into those decisions.”
The rivalry between these teams dates back to 1950, making it one of the oldest and most storied in Canadian sports. What makes this particular preseason clash noteworthy is how both teams are approaching it with unexpected strategic urgency.
Hamilton arrives with renewed determination after their disappointing 2023 campaign. Their new offensive coordinator Tommy Condell has completely revamped their playbook, and sources within the organization suggest we’ll see glimpses of their new approach even in this exhibition game.
For Toronto, this preseason represents something different. Coming off their 2022 Grey Cup victory and strong 2023 performance, the Argonauts are focused on maintaining their winning culture while strategically integrating new talent.
“We’re not treating this like a typical preseason game,” veteran Argos linebacker Wynton McManis explained during media availability. “There’s genuine competition at multiple positions, and the coaching staff has made it clear they’re evaluating every snap, every practice rep.”
The quarterback situation adds another compelling layer to this preseason narrative. Both teams feature interesting battles for the backup quarterback position, with Toronto’s Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott competing for the spot behind veteran Nick Arbuckle. For Hamilton, Taylor Powell and Spencer Rattler are vying for position in the depth chart.
Walking through Toronto’s Distillery District yesterday afternoon, I encountered numerous fans in Argos gear discussing their expectations for the season. The consensus seemed cautiously optimistic, though most acknowledged the team’s offseason roster changes create some uncertainty.
“I come to these preseason games to see the young guys fighting for roster spots,” said Michael Delgado, a 15-year season ticket holder I spoke with. “That’s where you see the real hunger, the guys playing like every down might be their last in professional football.”
Statistics from the CFL office show preseason attendance at Argos-Ticats matchups has increased approximately 12% over the past three seasons, suggesting growing interest in these exhibition contests despite their lack of standings implications.
Toronto’s defensive coordinator Corey Mace has introduced some new wrinkles to the Argonauts’ approach this season. Players have been tight-lipped about specifics, but defensive back DaShaun Amos hinted at “packages designed specifically with Hamilton in mind” during our conversation after Wednesday’s practice.
The economic impact of this rivalry extends beyond the field. Local businesses near BMO Field report significant upticks in activity on game days, with establishments like Liberty Village’s Craft Brewpub seeing nearly triple their normal business volume when the Argos host Hamilton.
One storyline I’ll be watching closely involves Toronto’s special teams unit, which underwent significant personnel changes during the offseason. Special teams coordinator Mickey Donovan acknowledged they’re still finalizing roles. “These preseason games give us our first real look at coverage units under live conditions,” Donovan said.
Weather forecasts suggest perfect football conditions for the matchup, with temperatures around 22°C and minimal chance of precipitation – ideal for both teams to execute their evaluation plans without environmental complications.
For fans attending, the Argonauts organization has introduced several new game-day experiences this season, including enhanced mobile ticketing options and expanded local food vendor partnerships that showcase Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.
As someone who has covered this rivalry for over a decade, I’m particularly interested in how both teams balance competitiveness with player evaluation. The regular season may still be weeks away, but for dozens of players fighting for roster spots, tomorrow’s game represents one of their few opportunities to prove they belong in the CFL.
In Toronto sports bars last night, conversations inevitably turned to football predictions. The consensus seems to be that while the final score matters little, fans are eager to see which new faces might emerge as potential impact players for the Double Blue this season.
As I prepare my notes for tomorrow’s coverage, I’m reminded why these preseason games between archrivals remain compelling despite their exhibition status. They offer the first glimpses of what’s to come in a season full of possibility, all wrapped in the traditions of a rivalry that defines football in this region.
