2025 Training Camp Thread

[gilthethrill]

Sounds like this Slywka prospect could very well be the next Duron Carter.

[Will]

Neither Carey or Brown appeared to participate. Hard to evaluate RB talent in a scrimmage like this because you cannot simulate breaking tackles and/or the physical nature sometimes associated with running the ball.

[ArgoZ]

They should really turn this scrimmage into “Fan Day” and bring it back. I know these things cost money, but it doesn’t have to be that much more added. Throw up a ticket sale tent, let us throw the ball into one of those blowups, invite some minor football teams, etc. A lot of players are in their dorms regardless, so they can hang with the fans before, it’s not like they have to get to the buses. Jim Barker used to do a bit of a play by play and I really enjoyed that instead of silence. Not complaining, only suggesting this could once again become a nice event to start the season.

[primetime321]

They should really turn this scrimmage into “Fan Day” and bring it back. I know these things cost money, but it doesn’t have to be that much more added. Throw up a ticket sale tent, let us throw the ball into one of those blowups, invite some minor football teams, etc. A lot of players are in their dorms regardless, so they can hang with the fans before, it’s not like they have to get to the buses. Jim Barker used to do a bit of a play by play and I really enjoyed that instead of silence. Not complaining, only suggesting this could once again become a nice event to start the season.

I'm fully in agreement with you here ArgoZ. If the organization is serious in broadening their fanbase then things like this are a no brainer since it helps create community between the team and its fans.

[ARGO57]

They should really turn this scrimmage into “Fan Day” and bring it back. I know these things cost money, but it doesn’t have to be that much more added. Throw up a ticket sale tent, let us throw the ball into one of those blowups, invite some minor football teams, etc. A lot of players are in their dorms regardless, so they can hang with the fans before, it’s not like they have to get to the buses. Jim Barker used to do a bit of a play by play and I really enjoyed that instead of silence. Not complaining, only suggesting this could once again become a nice event to start the season.

The 2012 Fan Day at U of T (Mississauga) was a great event, you could buy reasonably priced merchandise, buy a hot dog and drink and as you mentioned Jim Barker would explain what was happening on the field.
As you said no complaints but little details certainly can help the fans feel more engaged with the team.

[gilthethrill]

CFL.ca Transactions shows FB Bruno LaBelle has been Deleted.

[ArgoGabe22]

They should really turn this scrimmage into “Fan Day” and bring it back. I know these things cost money, but it doesn’t have to be that much more added. Throw up a ticket sale tent, let us throw the ball into one of those blowups, invite some minor football teams, etc. A lot of players are in their dorms regardless, so they can hang with the fans before, it’s not like they have to get to the buses. Jim Barker used to do a bit of a play by play and I really enjoyed that instead of silence. Not complaining, only suggesting this could once again become a nice event to start the season.

The 2012 Fan Day at U of T (Mississauga) was a great event, you could buy reasonably priced merchandise, buy a hot dog and drink and as you mentioned Jim Barker would explain what was happening on the field.
As you said no complaints but little details certainly can help the fans feel more engaged with the team.

Were those the Chris Rudge days? He seemed to care and was a face. So was Copeland. Manning never had that presence or aura. Pelley remains to be seen. Had a good presence back in the day but might just be too busy with everything else on his plate.

[OV Argo]

I can recall - way back in the day - when the old Ottawa Rough Riders used to hold their TC intra-squad game (think it was called the Black & White game?), held at the stadium at Lansdowne; and this event/game was promoted and well attended. A real game with guys vying for jobs competing and playing real football (refs, full rules if i recall right). Now maybe TC rosters were quite larger back in those days (say late 70s), but still now with 85 some guys in TC, surely CFL teams can still hold such a split squad game. Becomes both a fan event (pre/pre-season) to build interest, but also an evaluating tool for the coaches to see guys playing in close to a real game situation.

Is the Argo such game/event now a full length game, with real refs and full contact and tough competition? Or do other CFL teams hold such a game and hype it for fans to see? Or are they more like controlled scrimmages now (and limited by the CFLPA and the contract agreement) ?

[paulwoods13]

Pelley remains to be seen. Had a good presence back in the day but might just be too busy with everything else on his plate.

Ya think?

[Will]

I can recall - way back in the day - when the old Ottawa Rough Riders used to hold their TC intra-squad game (think it was called the Black & White game?), held at the stadium at Lansdowne; and this event/game was promoted and well attended. A real game with guys vying for jobs competing and playing real football (refs, full rules if i recall right). Now maybe TC rosters were quite larger back in those days (say late 70s), but still now with 85 some guys in TC, surely CFL teams can still hold such a split squad game. Becomes both a fan event (pre/pre-season) to build interest, but also an evaluating tool for the coaches to see guys playing in close to a real game situation.

Is the Argo such game/event now a full length game, with real refs and full contact and tough competition? Or do other CFL teams hold such a game and hype it for fans to see? Or are they more like controlled scrimmages now (and limited by the CFLPA and the contract agreement) ?

Is the Argo such game/event now a full length game

No, it went for ~45 minutes. It isn't a game per se either, the team is running pre-ordained scenarios that the coaching staff has set-up.

with real refs

CFL officials are present.

full contact

No

tough competition

Certain positional groups are limited in what they can show the coaches in such a scrimmage.

Or do other CFL teams hold such a game and hype it for fans to see

Hamilton held a scrimmage the night before. I cannot comment if the structure is any similar or different than the Argos.

Or are they more like controlled scrimmages now (and limited by the CFLPA and the contract agreement) ?

Controlled scrimmages