BMO Field: An experience to remember

The best thing I can tell you about BMO Field in Toronto is that if you are an MLS fan you need to go there ASAP.

Go grab an MLS schedule, find out when your team is playing, book a flight (or fill your gas tank) and head north. It is an experience to remember and one that is deservedly the envy of the rest of the league.

The Toronto fans were great, whether hours before the game at the local soccer pubs, or during the game, when they spend all 90 minutes singing and jumping around.

Here are some of the highlights for me:

Seeing stadium security toss pass unrolled streamers to the crowd was amazing. Imagine seeing that at Giants Stadium. Not only would that not happen, if you tossed a streamer at a player at Giants Stadium you would get tackled by two state troopers as a state police dog mauled your leg.

The streamers are not that big an issue. I know some folks have a problem with the streamers being thrown on corner kicks, but they are harmless and the players being targeted didn't have much of a problem with it. As long as it's just the crepe paper streamers, and nothing sinister like coins or batteries, I don't see the issue.

Here was Claudio Reyna's take on the streamers:

"In Central America, with the U.S. teams, we’d get stuff thrown at us, but not as bad as that,” Reyna said. “(They have some) good aim. They were wrapping it around my ankles and I really had to stop. It was in the way, but it’s good. That’s great and they’ve really been a breath of fresh air in this league with the atmosphere they create."

Hearing the different sections go back and forth. The benefit of having a stadium filled with season-ticket holders is that all these people know each other, so when one section can finish the chant another section starts it's pretty damn impressive.

Hearing TFC fans chant Marco Velez's name in full voice. Imagine being Velez, who was in the USL a year ago, now being cheered on loudly by a packed stadium? He is loving life right now.

Maybe it's just me, but I had never seen beer given out with lids on them. What a great idea this is. Who hasn't been walking with some beers only to lose half a beer after being run into by some overzealous kid? TFC fans don't have this problem because they get draft beers with plastic lids on the cups. Okay, so it does kind of look like a sippy cup, but at least they get to drink all their beer.

TFC dropped the ball in not establishing a visiting supporter's section. Now I know this isn't an issue for 80 percent of the games they'll have, but BMO Field really needs to have a section that can be dedicated to visiting fans, even if we're talking just 20. And no, there were no Red Bulls fans in attendance (Which made the Toronto fans chanting, "Can you hear the Red Bulls sing" all the more ridiculous.)

The location of BMO Field to Toronto's downtown is priceless. This is all the more reason for visiting fans to make a trip to a Toronto game.

Thanks to the members of the Red Patch Boys who helped me out and got me a spot in the second row to watch the first half.  I was about eight seats from the infamous (U-Sector created) Claudio Reyna poster (and am actually in the above picture) and probably could have hit Reyna in the head with a streamer if I wanted to (and no, I didn't throw any streamers).

The songs the TFC fans sang were great, but I did feel a bit heated when I heard an anti-Jersey chant. Hey, I'm from Jersey, it's natural. I couldn't be that upset really, not after some U-Sectors a section away started an impromptu chant about me early in the game (thankfully it wasn't 'Who Are Ya')

I got to meet Morgan Campbell from the Toronto Star. A great guy who, like me, played American football rather than futbol. He's got me trumped on the credentials though. Campbell was a walk-on at Northwestern and earned a Rose Bowl ring in the process. I played in the Pride Bowl between Ramapo and Montclair State. Not quite the same thing, I know.

And in what might be a complete shock to some, I spoke to Amado Guevara after the game. Guevara was all smiles and gave me a hug and a handshake. I wasn't going to avoid him and went to speak to him and he really surprised me with that greeting. Needless to say I was happy to see that any past drama was water under the bridge (maybe he read my stories saying that Toronto FC was smart for picking him up. Okay, I'm kidding).

That's all for now. I plan on writing a more detailed account of my experience in Toronto for Monday so look out for that. Also, I wrote a piece on the fans in Toronto for ESPN.com that should post later today.

Comments

[Dominghosa]

It looks like your sucking on that girls' thumb in front of you.

[SoccerMan]

I'm glad you had a great time in Toronto, Ives! Come back anytime!

[Dominghosa]

Awesome, btw.

[Scott]

The Toronto fans are undoubtedly great, but how about the DC fans being considered for the 'Best Fans in the MLS' title. Despite the fact I have not been to a DC no Toronto home game, the fact that DC fans have to make noise in a much bigger stadium, and succeed is impressive. Both teams average about the same attendance I believe. DC wins on the flags front, but Toronto definitely has the best signs (despite the fact that the Claudio sign is horribly incorrect I loved it). This race seems pretty close to me... from a few thousand miles away.

[$in]

When I saw that poster of Reyna on ESPN, I was in shock. Kudos to the Red Patch Boys for putting that one together.

As a Fire fan, I went with a bunch of other fans to TFC's home opener. That place is rockin'!!

[Matt]

Claudio sign incorrect? Dunno about that. I notice he limped off again at HT. What else is new?

[Alex]

Thank you Ives!!

I think what most people don't understand, is the electricity in the air at BMO Field. That is something that is very hard to convey through writing. Everyone should experience it first hand! Glad you had a great time, and don't forget, it was COLD! and RAINING! on Thursday night and we still had 19,000 People!!

[Matt]

Can MLS please try to schedule a TOR-NY game on a day other than Thursday next season? Then maybe you'd have a few Red Bulls fans show up. That's two seasons running that the game has been mid-week.

[Gabe]

man, i really want to go now... It's kind of a far trip from So Cal though.

[A.S.]

I can't stand the streamers - completely offensive and a total travesty to the game.

And, BTW, the idea that they don't interfere with the players is ludicrous, and even the quote from Reyna attests ("They were wrapping it around my ankles and I really had to stop.").

Fans should NOT be interfering with the game on the field in ANY way.

And the idea that security - sorry, "security" - would ASSIST with interfering with the game on the field is even worse.

[Scott C]

As a non TFC fan that's been to BMO field, I have to agree. The atmosphere is fantastic. It's a great place to see a game, great for the fans, great for the players, and great for the league. I think the players respond to it; last nights game wasn't always pretty, but it was definitely intense, with a lot of hard challenges...never a boring game at BMO...

[danj]

Just because Reyna takes the high road on the streamer issue doesn't make it okay. What are the players supposed to say? It gets in my head? I'm playing in protest? Wrapping around a players ankles and making him stop on a corner is a major impediment to the game. Was it Van den Bergh who settled for a short corner in the closing minutes because he was getting pelted? It's up to the league and security to put a stop to this interference. (I'm not a Red Bulls or TFC fan, if that matters.)

[emilio]

The streemers need to go, that doesnt add to the atmosphere at the game, if anything it distracts from it. I dont see any european soccer leagues where streemers are thrown at players and its accepted. thats just ridiculous, yes its great that they have so many fans, id love that, but you cant let them do whatever they want. 50% of those fans are just there to get drunk.

[James17930]

Hey A.S. -- talk about selective quoting. Did you even read THE VERY NEXT THING THAT REYNA SAID?:

"It was in the way, but it’s good. That’s great and they’ve really been a breath of fresh air in this league with the atmosphere they create."

Go back to bed.

[Joamiq]

Haha, it's kind of funny that Ives stands out in that picture because he's not wearing red.

BMO sounds great, but I do think the streamers are going a bit too far. I mean I have no problem with streamers in general, and the spirit is great. But the sheer volume of streamers during corner kicks DOES interfere with the kick taker, and that shouldn't happen. I think streamers should be allowed at all times except when they're thrown at players during corners or free kicks. I did, however, find it very amusing when VDB ran around for about a minute without realizing he had a long streamer wrapped around his midsection, trailing after him.

Also, the Reyna poster was impressive. Obviously I'm a fan of his and the Red Bulls, but still have to give the fans props for that.

[BK]

Were you wearing a Red Bulls kit?

[Matt]

The thing about the streamers is that I don't see the difference between chucking a streamer at someone when he's taking a corner and doing the same during a free kick. They are both dead ball situations that require a certain level of concentration. Verbal abuse? Fine. Noise? Knock yourself out.

Would throwing a streamer across the 18-yard box during a penalty kick be OK? Where do you draw the line?

[emilio]

great point Matt, or how about throwing a streamer at the goalie while he is trying to make a save.

[walter]

Streamers are for little girls...and Canadians apparently!

[TwistedTidings]

I torn about Toronto. On one hand, I want to give them full credit, because it's amazing.

On the other hand, I can say I have had amazing experiences at old Soldier Field and RFK. I have had, yes, "electric" experiences on special nights that equal the atmosphere I've seen elsewhere.

What's unique about Toronto isn't that their fans bring it-- it's that the electricity isn't reserved for "special" nights. It seems to be consistent, even on a cold Thursday night game against MLS opposition.

[Alex]

Emilio and Matt,

I invite you guys to come to BMO Field and revel in the electric atmosphere that is created there. I'm sure you guys would love it when you get to experience it first hand. Plus, lets not forget that if every other stadium in MLS was packed like BMO Field, then MLS would be in a much better financial position. Everyone should take a page out of BMO Field and use it.

[Mark]

Awesome, Ives!

Btw, what was the chant they sung about you, hehe?

[kco]

Now all BMO Field needs is some more seats.

[satan]

so walter, you're calling Ives a little girl? ;)

[Nick]

Ives, I know this is still early times for Toronto, but have you heard anything about MLSE putting on additions to BMO? They have 16,000 season ticket holders in a 19,000 seat stadium. I feel like if they made the stadium fit 25,000 they would still sell out every game, they also appear to have a good amount of space for renovations as well. Just wondering if you had heard anything, thanks.

[locolos]

Great reporting Ives!!!

you rock!

'los

[Matt]

Alex, I'd love to come up there for a game. Just get the suits at MLS to make it a weekend game and I'm there. Thursday is a no-go.

[BFBS]

Ives,

I understand there was a streaker during the game. Was that you?

[seven]

I'm a Toronto season ticket holder in the Supporter's section & I'm not really a fan of the streamers either. They make a great visual in the air, but I hope eventually people get bored with throwing them at corner kicks.
In last night's game it wasn't just streamers being thrown either. Bananas & bottles were thrown into the penalty area in the 2nd half.

[Pawel]

The chant for Ives was

"Ives in fukcing TO
Ives in fukcing TO
Na na na na
Na na na na"

[bgnewf]

Thanks for coming ives. You are a gentleman and welcome anytime. Just a slight correction. U-Sector (and not the Red patch Boys) were responsible for the classic Reyna sign. Credit where credit is due.

[YankeeDoodle]

The streemers need to go, that doesnt add to the atmosphere at the game, if anything it distracts from it. I dont see any european soccer leagues where streemers are thrown at players and its accepted. thats just ridiculous, yes its great that they have so many fans, id love that, but you cant let them do whatever they want. 50% of those fans are just there to get drunk.

Fine then, let's all light up flares and toss scooters from the top level.

Seriously though, streemers are a big part of the game in Latin and South AMERICA, you know, AMERICA the PLACE WE LIVE AND ARE CLOSE TO.

Eurosnobs can bite it. You should spend more time at MLS games than watching Euro-football anyway.

[Dannyc58]

Streamers are a joke.

[Yang]

Hey Ives, I'm a relatively new reader to the blog...so what's the drama between you and Amado?

[GaryJamboTFC]

Hey the Reyna Has-been sign was a product of USector (section 113) not the Red Patch Boys. Props to USec member AgainstSteve (the genius behind the LandyCakes waterfountain poster last year) for making and bringing it.

And you sad folks who are whining about the streamers? Get over yourselves. This league needs more atmosphere, not less. Look after generating more noise and fun at your own stadiums before moaning about ours.

[Dan]

Being a Villanova grad (1981) who saw plenty of Big 5 basketball games at the fabled Palestra, I can tell you a thing or two about the important history and role of streamers in our country. The Palestra is a 10,000 seat basketball arena that was often filled to the brim with nothing but supporter sections (i.e. students) and the noise level was beyond belief. When your team scored its opening basket, the students went ballistic and threw streamers out onto the court to celebrate, and it just added to the bedlam. Regrettably, the Big 5 has stopped this wonderful tradition, probably because we have too many lawyers now who can think of liability exposure in every walk of life, but I for one am hoping that the Philadelpha entry into the MLS re-introduces the Philadelphia tradition of throwing streamers. I don't care what the Euro-soccer-snobs think is appropriate; streamers are a Philly tradition.

[Steve]

YankeeDoodle - You know your argument is flawed. Show me the South American footage where they're using streamers as TFC is?

Besides, the 'they do it worse than us' argument may have worked with your mom grwoing up but it won't fly here.

They need to go.

[Matt]

What do streamers have to do with Euro-snobbishness? It's a matter of interfering with play on the field, not trying to keep a lid on atmosphere.

[Hugo G]

Attention all MLS fans!!! Grab some of your non-soccer fans and drag their asses to see your local MLS team play. All these 20 thousand or less capacity stadiums should be selling out every game.

[Russ]

i always see so many people w/ beers at BMO...i have to wonder what the prices are like (in US dollars)? Is it safe to assume it's less than the $8 at my Crew stadium?

[Mark]

@Yang: Amado had some beef with Ives' reports about him at the start of 2007, when Guevara was traded to Chivas and played badly. After an Honduras international in summer 2007, he refused to talk to the media unless Ives left the room! Glad to see things have been patched up, maybe it shows how much Guevara's attitude has changed.

[emilio]

Euro snob? I attend games, and streamers do interfere with the game so they shouldnt be allowed.

[Greg]

"50% of those fans are just there to get drunk"

No. 75% of those fans are season ticket holders and die hard supporters. The other 25% aren't giving scalpers $100 for a $20 ticket because they need a place to get drunk.

[Emilio]

Its great that TFC games are a huge event, the league needs that, the support is great and they should be commended for it. However when it starts interfering with the product on the field, its a problem.

[fieldsy]

ives,

i'd love to go to a game in toronto or even d.c., but i encourage mls fans to come to south america to watch futbol there. i went to a copa libertaodores game on tuesday and there were 45,000 screaming fans at the game. when you have to put up barricaded walls around the stadium, then you know the game is serious. at the game, they shot out smoke from fire extinguishers, burned torches, lit flairs and sang the entire game.

in regards to the streamers, they were only thrown when a bad call was perceived to have been made by the ref or at the opposing goal keeper (but not when he was playing). no streamers were thrown during corner kicks, in fact (in my experience), i have never seen streamers thrown during corner kicks. it's lame.

however, great job to the fans at toronto for the atmosphere!

[bgnewf]

Hey YankeeDoodle...Talk trash when AND ONLY WHEN you know what you are talking about.

Believe me there are many places much cheaper to get drunk in Toronto than BMO field. 11 Dollar beer is not the reason why we are there. We are there because we love our team.

[Mel]

"And you sad folks who are whining about the streamers? Get over yourselves. This league needs more atmosphere, not less. Look after generating more noise and fun at your own stadiums before moaning about ours". (GaryJamboTFC)

BINGO!
+1

[kebzach]

The United Center in Chicago is another venue that gives you lids for your beers. I agree, it's a great move.

[Reid]

Its not just americans making fun of jersey anymore, it has spread to canada

[Jerry]

Ives -

Im a fairly new reader and big fan of Amado Guevara from the Honduras NT can you please explain the "beef" with him back then? Hes got a history of being very rude in the Honduran National league with referees so as a Honduran myself I can only imagine what he might have said to you, care to elaborate?