On June 3, 1989, SkyDome, the world’s first retractable roof stadium, opened its doors for the first time to the city of Toronto. Twenty years later, argonauts.ca takes a look at some of the more memorable moments since the club called it home following a 35-year stay at CNE Stadium on the Exhibition grounds:
July 12, 1989 – The Argos play their first home game at their new home vs. rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
November 26, 1989 – Although it’s not an Argos momemt, this CFL moment is certainly worth including: Saskatchewan Roughriders’ K Dave Ridgway kicks a game-winning field goal to beat the Ticats in what is considered to be the most thrilling game in Grey Cup history.
July 18, 1991 – The Argos open the season against Hamilton in front of more than 41,000 people. The day featured the debut of Raghib “Rocket” Ismail and a stellar halftime show featuring the famous Blues Brothers.
November 17, 1991 – The Argos set a new attendance record at SkyDome by destroying the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the ’91 East Final 42-3 in front of 50,380 fans en route to a Grey Cup win in Winnipeg next week.
November 29, 1992 – Toronto hosts its first Grey Cup at SkyDome as Doug Flutie and the
October 2, 1994 – The Argos mounted one of the biggest comebacks in club history when they scored 28 points in the 4th quarter to come back from a 36-11 deficit and beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Boatmen were led by the 165-yard rushing performance of Muhammad Shamsid-Deen.
July 4, 1996 – The Doug Flutie era officially begins in Toronto in the ’96 home opener. Despite suffering a loss, it was only one of six that the Argos would surrender in a span of two years en route to back-to-back Grey Cups.
November 17, 1996 – Mike “Pinball” Clemons returns the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown as the Argos stomp the Montreal Alouettes 43-7 on their way to the Grey Cup.
November 8, 1997 – “Pinball” does it again by turning a catch and run into a 58-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left in a back and fourth game to take the Argos to the Grey Cup.
September 15, 2000 – After setting almost every record in the Argos’ record book, Michael Clemons announces his retirement before playing one last game in an emotional sendoff to a magical career.
October 20, 2002 – Muhammad Ali showcased a very special halftime versus Ottawa to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease awareness.
November 3, 2002 – Argos K Noel Prefontaine nails a 42-yard field goal with 27 seconds left to send the Argos to the playoffs.
October 21, 2004 – QB Damon Allen becomes only the third pivot to pass for over 50,000 yards in a win over Hamilton
November 5, 2004 – The Argos defensivly dominate the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Semi-Final 24-6. Argos DB Kenny Wheaton set a record for the longest interception return for a touchdown in a playoff game by returning a Danny McManus pass 116 yards.
September 10, 2005 – After being shocked by the Ticats the week before in the Labour Day Classic, the Argos defence stands tall, shutting out their rivals 48-0.
November 20, 2005 – The Argos host their first East Final since 1997 in front of the largest crowd in 14 years (44,211)
September 9, 2006 – After setting football’s all-time passing record the week before in Hamilton, QB Damon Allen is celebrated at Rogers Centre with tributes from brother Marcus, Warren Moon, Brett Favre, Dan Marino and many more.
July 26, 2007 – After returning to the club a few weeks earlier, SB Derrell “Mookie” Mitchell sets a new mark by passing Paul Masotti on the Argos all-time receiving list
October 27, 2007 – After a year-long vote, the Argos unveil their All-Time Argo depth chart with greats from all different eras returning to Toronto for the festivities.
November 25, 2007 – Rogers Centre plays host to the largest Grey Cup in history, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.