CFL In Solid Shape As It Prepares To Open Training Camps This Week

CFL training camps are opening this week with the league in as "solid shape as it's been in some time," according to Chris Zelkovich of the TORONTO STAR. CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon yesterday said, "I think we're on the right trajectory." Cohon said that six of the league's eight teams "either broke even or made a small profit last season," while attendance and TV ratings "were both up." Despite the economic downturn, "several teams have reported increases in season-ticket sales and sponsorships." Seven of the eight teams "have stadium projects either under way or in the planning stages." An expansion franchise in Ottawa is a "distinct possibility, as is a regular-season game next year" in Moncton, New Brunswick. In addition, Zelkovich writes the CFL is "making great public relations strides, asking fans to offer suggestions on rule changes -- and then actually implementing some of them." Cohon has "called season ticket holders and personally thanked them and recently launched his own Twitter account to communicate with fans." Toronto Argonauts co-Owner David Cynamon said Cohon is "always generating ideas and has done a great job communicating with the owners/governors." Cohon said that the "sad state of the Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats last season is a minor concern." Cohon "recently hired a marketing consultant" from the NBA to "advise both teams in boosting fan and corporate interest." Meanwhile, Cohon "won't comment on talk that the number of Bills games in Toronto will increase." Cohon: "There's no indication that it is expanding" (TORONTO STAR, 6/3). In addition, Cohon said that he "requested the Buffalo Bills wait until after the Grey Cup before hosting a 'home' game in Toronto again" (EDMONTON SUN, 6/3).

FORWARD PROGRESS: In Edmonton, John MacKinnon writes Cohon "remains characteristically upbeat about the southern Ontario franchises [the Argos and Tiger-Cats] and the state of things generally." Cohon: "When you look at what's happening in Canada, Ontario is hardest hit (economically). Our teams in southern Ontario are having a little bit more of a challenge. ... They're doing better than anticipated with their single-game ticket sales, so that's good." But MacKinnon notes the "downside" is that "season-ticket sales are lagging in Toronto, where fans are understandably wary of committing to the Argos until they can demonstrate improvement." Still, based on discussions Cohon has had with his counterparts in MLB and the NBA, he "continues to believe the CFL 'is the right, authentic product to be associated with in these tougher economic times'" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 6/3). Cohon: "Like anyone, if you look at leagues south of the border, we're all challenged by the economy. I think we're going to come through this better than the other leagues because we're affordable and we're accessible and we really are value for money." Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Gerry Moddejonge notes CFL COO Michael Copeland has a "target of 2010 to have an agreement in place with the CFLPA" to implement a "leaguewide drug policy" (EDMONTON SUN, 6/3).