This one is going to be pretty fun. I saw a YouTube video a while ago about ranking each CFL stadium, and I thought I'd give my two cents on where each stadium should be placed in a ranking. I'll also give insights on how to improve each stadium. DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion. You're free to disagree with me, and I'd actually love to hear your thoughts on my lost in the replies under this post. With that said, let's get started.
#9: PERCIVAL MOLSON STADIUM, MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Percival Molson stadium at McGill sure has a great history. It was built in 1914, making it over 100 years old, and it's coming up on it's 110th this year. Now, age doesn't necessarily make Percival Molson the worst one on this list, in fact it's a feature. The real tank in this stadium's position is the benches. From experience at Old Mosaic stadium, benches (especially in cold weather) can be extremely uncomfortable. Also, the stadium is meant primarily for the university it's built into, hence the track along the outside. It also only has a capacity of 23,420 people. There are a few solutions to make Percival Molson climb rankings. First, take out the benches and replace them with seats. Next, expand one of the decks to fit more people. The cheapest option would just be to move to the Olympic O, but I assume this would come with negative reactions, considering the roof is falling apart and they have to replace it. I would like to see the city of Montreal invest in the Als a bit, either by re-vamping their current spot, or building an all new Alouettes stadium.
#8: MCMAHON STADIUM, CALGARY STAMPEDERS
McMahon suffers from one of the same issues as Molson does. The benches. They do have seats in place, but they cost more as they're in primary viewing areas. The patio that they have adds charm to the stadium, as well as the big red posts that adorn each corner of the stadium. But from what I've heard from Stamps fans, they can't wait for a replacement. It's an older stadium, being completed in 1960, and it doesn't have any shade from the sun for those hot Calgary summer days. A few ways to improve the stadium would be with some overhead shade being added, and also removing all the benches making way for seats in every corner of the stadium.
#7: TIM HORTONS FIELD, HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
This stadium is the first on our list to have seats everywhere! Also, it's quite recent being completed in 2014. Although, if you were to guess, you may assume it was an older stadium. The Hammer definitely has its charm, being home to one of the most storied franchises in the CFL. The Oskee-Wee-Wee chant rains down from the rafters during game time. But it's not all sunshine. Unless you're on the far side of the stadium, in which case it is. The opening of Tim Horton's field wasn't as smooth as some might think. In fact, even four years after the completion, they were still working to get some parts fixed and finished. In hindsight, they probably should have opened the stadium a year later to make sure that everything was in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. My recommendation is to just keep the facilities running and up-to-date, so that they don't fall apart like they did for a while after completion. Apart from that, it's really just a run-of-the-mill stadium, which is why it's here on my list.
#6: COMMONWEALTH STADIUM, EDMONTON ELKS
Commonwealth has the largest capacity of any CFL stadium, which makes it a shame that it's almost never full. The stadium opened in 1975, making it almost 50 years old. It has a very nice patio at field level which has been used by many other teams to celebrate touchdowns. Although it is quite a grand stadium, it's just kind of middle of the road to me. The tailgates at each game are pretty great, though. My recommendations for this stadium is to either get a better team that will put butts in seats (and market the team more), or to build a new stadium and use Commonwealth for something else. Elks ownership has expressed dislike for the stadium in the past, so maybe a new stadium will be in order.
#5: BMO FIELD, TORONTO ARGONAUTS
BMO Field was constructed in 2007, which makes it one of the more recent stadiums on this list. It's a shame that it's more full for MLS games than CFL games. I believe the team needs to do more marketing for their Argos, especially because of how good they are. BMO is unique because it uses real grass instead of the turf, which is very cool. The seats have to all be red because of the differing colours between Toronto FC and the Argos, so the Canadian flag is a nice solution. It may be nice for the Argos to eventually get their own stadium, but for now, this stadium will do just fine. Now they just have to fill it.
#4: TD PLACE, OTTAWA REDBLACKS
TD Place is one of the most unique stadiums in the CFL. Although it only has a seating capacity of 24,000, the uniqueness pushes it close to the top for me. The design of the south side is really impressive, with its glass design and see-through rear. The north side features an older grandstand which is from before the stadium got its renovations. The only thing to do to make the stadium gain a place in the rankings is to renovate the north stand as well, but that would take away from the uniqueness. Also, the stadium pretty much has a skyscraper built into it, which is absolutely awesome.
#3: BC PLACE, BC LIONS
BC Place is the only fully indoors stadium in the CFL. It's extremely unique in how its roof is retractable, to either let in the sun or keep out harsh weather. No matter the conditions, BC Place will be a pleasant place to watch a CFL game. The only issue with BC Place is the location. It's in the middle of downtown Vancouver, which is not the most traffic-friendly place in the whole world. However, it's one of the most unique stadiums in the whole CFL. Also, their jumbotron hangs from the ceiling!
#2: PRINCESS AUTO STADIUM, WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
This stadium is incredible. The roofs reflect sound to make the crowd noise louder, the amenities are top tier, and the location is very accessible because of the remoteness. It's out by the university which would not make for much traffic on game days. The only drawback is the jumbotron. It's very slim and in a bit of an unusual shape, and it can be hard to read from far away in the stadium. Still, it's one of the best.
#1: MOSAIC STADIUM, SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
This is PEAK stadium. The gameday atmosphere is unlike any other, the traffic on gameday is never too bad, the uniqueness of Pil Country adds flair to the stadium and the jumbotron is MASSIVE. There's even a second screen if you can't see the jumbotron! The player amenities are incredibly good and the stadium reflects sound back to make the experience even harder for the opposing team. Granted, I may be biased as it's the only stadium I've ever been to a game in, but this is my opinion, after all. In my opinion, Mosaic Stadium is the best stadium in the entire league.
By Bruce Chimirri-Olson
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