Toronto Argonauts: Fan attempts to bring in big crowd with ‘Operation Sellout’

Andrew MacDonagh, an optimistic CFL and Toronto Argonauts supporter, is hoping to bring a big crowd to BMO Field on August 19 with ‘Operation Sellout’.

If there are two terms that don’t go along together on a regular basis, they are “sellout” and “Toronto Argonauts”.

Yes, that might be harsh, but it is the sad reality of the 2017 season for the boatmen so far.

The Argonauts (3-5-0) are averaging 13,122 fans per home date at BMO Field, through four games.

The comments (some nicer than others) from fans have poured in about the crowd attendance, especially in their latest home game against the Calgary Stampeders:

However, it’s the next home game of the season, on Aug. 19 versus the Montreal Alouettes, that’s making a bit of buzz on social media.

Argonauts fan, and Editor-in-Chief of Monolith Sports, Andrew MacDonagh, has started a campaign to try and get as many fans to come out for the afternoon game, using the hashtag, ‘Operation Sellout’.

The campaign, which is just to encourage fans to go for the experience, has been highly praised from not only Argonauts supporters, but from fans all across Canada who put the CFL first over their team pride.

The support around the league from fans has meant a lot to MacDonagh, who understands the importance of that support.

“It means the fans of the league care about the [CFL] as a whole. It also means they are passionate, very intelligent and informed,” MacDonagh told us in a twitter interview.

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“They understand the importance of having Toronto in the league. Not just from a historical standpoint, but also from a health of the league standpoint.”

When asked about what motivated MacDonagh to start the hashtag, he responded with how he felt about his team and its environment:

“I’m a lifelong Argos fan and I believe this is the perfect time to show Toronto what kind of terrific football experience can be had in this town.

“[BMO Field] is outstanding, the team on the field is good, and I feel like the city is missing out on something the rest of the country is enjoying tremendously.”

Argonauts linebacker Bear Woods thought highly of the idea when we spoke to him after practice at Don Bosco.

“I think [Operation Sellout] is incredible support. I would dare to say he’s not the only one. I know there are a lot of fans out there who are talking about our product, telling family and friends about what we have going on.” said Woods.

“I appreciate [MacDonagh] going to social media. That’s a big help.”

Woods also echoed MacDonagh’s words about the fan support across the country with the campaign.

“It’s wonderful. One thing that pro sports do for a town, city, community, is it brings people together. When you’re talking about what it does for a family, for friends, it builds traditions that go year after year.

“That’s what [MacDonagh] is helping create and that’s the type of organization we want to have here and fan base. It involves all hands on deck for the boatmen.”

Argonauts ticket director Michael Hook also commends the effort MacDonagh is putting in with Operation Sellout and encourage fans to reach out to him to get tickets.

Operation sellout comes out at a unique time, with the Argonauts having tickets going for $15 with free admission to the CNE.

When asked about why he would start the campaign for Saturday’s game and not earlier in the season, MacDonagh felt that it was the right time to start it up:

“As mentioned, I think this is the perfect game. A wonderful promotion offering a free admission to the [CNE]. It’s actually cheaper to go to the Argos and the [CNE] than just the [CNE].” said MacDonagh.

“In addition, the on field product has to be exciting to run a promotion like this and the team has made some additions that make it just the right time for the casual fan to be exposed to the team.”

Argonauts ticket director Michael Hook echoed the sentiments and hopes that more fans continue to do the same thing:

“We love the passion and support of all our fans and encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an Argo’s home game. We believe that at $15 per ticket including your entrance into the CNE August 19^th is a great game to attend,” said Hook in an email response.

“[BMO Field] is outstanding, the team on the field is good, and I feel like the city is missing out on something the rest of the country is enjoying tremendously” – Andrew MacDonagh

It’ll be interesting to see how ‘Operation Sellout’ will fair at the end of the day. Hook also elaborated that ticket demand has been going well thanks to the CNE promotion. The Argonauts hope to have a new season high in attendance for a home game.

Week five’s matchup against Ottawa brought in 15,801 fans, thanks to the Doug Flutie bobblehead night and the honouring of the 1996 & 1997 Grey Cup winning teams. The attendance beat out their first two home games of the season, which of course included the season opener.

When asked if a social media campaign like this would happen again, MacDonagh stressed that it’s important for people to get at least one experience in and see where it goes from there:

“I doubt I would do it again so soon. This is more for the casual fan. It needs to be a very special type event. Doing something like this often, I feel, devalues the event. It creates urgency to make people know what it’s just the one time.” said MacDonagh.

“But what it also does it show that’s possible and give us something to shoot for.”

Next: Who should start in place of injured Ricky Ray?

What do you think about ‘Operation Sellout’? Do you like the idea? Let us know in the comments section below. The Toronto Argonauts take on the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 19 at 4:30 pm EST on TSN and TSN 1050 radio.