Ticats-Argos Labour Day Classic showdown in jeopardy
Scheduling conflicts have put the Labour Day Classic — the annual contest that customarily pits the Hamilton Tiger Cats against the Toronto Argonauts — in jeopardy.
With the demolition of Ivor Wynne Stadium, which traditionally hosts the showdown, it was expected the game would take place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
However, the Toronto Blue Jays, who share the facility with the Argos, are playing a home game on the previous day. The Argos' management has said there wouldn't sufficient time for crews to prepare the field for the football game.
It's also unlikely that the match will take place at Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph, where the Ticats will play their 2013 home games while their new permanent digs are under construction.
The Guelph Gryphons are scheduled to host the Windsor Lancers on Labour Day, rendering the Alumni venue unavailable for the Ticats' use.
"It's certainly a challenge that we're working through," said Jamie Dykstra, a spokesperson for the Canadian Football League.
He said the 2013 schedule hasn't been finalized yet, adding that "it's too early to tell" whether the Ticats and Argos will face off on Sept. 2.
"At this point, we're certainly exploring various options."