Are the Argos Coming Back to Guelph for Training Camp?

Mercury file photo of Argos training camp at U of G, circa 1981.

Flashback! The local sports rumour mill is churning with mention of the possibility that the Toronto Argonauts might be holding their 2016 training camp in the Royal City. Specifically, at Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph.

The Guelph Tribune is reporting that the CFL is in negotiations with the U of G to let the Argos get ready for the new season at the home of the OUA champion Gryphons. “The Argos had come to view our facilities, at this point in time I have no further information,” said University of Guelph athletics director Scott McRoberts in a non-denial denial email to the Trib.

If the Argos were to train at U of G it would be a not-unfamiliar site at Alumni Stadium, and an oddly timed one at that. This season will see Argos return to Exhibition Place and BMO Field, built on the site of the old Exhibition Stadium were the team played in the 80s. The Argos trained at the U of G off and on in the 80s and 90s, although in recent years they've been working out at York University. 

Alumni Stadium itself is no stranger to change, having been subject to a number of upgrades over the years, notably in 2013 when the U of G hosted the Hamilton Tiger Cats as their current stadium, Tim Hortons Field, was under construction. 

The CFL regular season starts at the end of June, while training camp is likely to begin at the end of May.