Argos legends Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail, Joe Theismann, and Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons were on hand for Argos home opener in their new stadium, BMO Field. TSN.ca caught up with the three to get their thoughts on a new era of Argonauts football.

Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail, Argos wide receiver/kick returner (1991-1992)

What do you think of the new facilities and the atmosphere at BMO Field today?

What I love is the atmosphere first, the spirit of a place. I really feel like because of the way the stadium is built, the Argonauts are going to have a home field advantage throughout the season, and the home field is really going to mean something. Sometimes when you're in as big a place as Rogers Centre, that can kind of be a wash. I feel like this is going to be a real big advantage for them moving forward this season. 

You were part of one of the most popular Argos teams ever back in the early 90s. Can you see this team recapturing a similar level of popularity?

We captured the imagination right off the bat. It's a lot bigger city than it was when I was here in 1991, but it definitely can be done and I really feel like the environment here (at BMO Field) is going to help push it in that direction.

What type of effect does a full stadium and an engaged fan base have on a player?

When I was talking about the advantage home field brings, this is the main ingredient for that. As a player, you appreciate it. And I guarantee you, whoever was on the team the last couple years, they’re going to appreciate what this environment brings to the table. It's definitely going to be something that's beneficial to them.

Joe Theismann, Argos quarterback (1971-1973)

How nice is it to be back on Exhibition Grounds and see the type of fan environment you were accustomed to back when you played?

It's interesting, I've come back for some games at the Rogers Centre and it was always different because I always felt like that was the home of the Blue Jays. Now the Argos are back where I played, I call it ‘hallowed ground’ here in Toronto. 

It's great to be back. The stadium, oddly enough, looks a fair amount like CNE Stadium except now they've got both sides covered. I'm excited for the team and for the fans. It'll be a lot of fun

Does it remind you of when Toronto was a football city?

Yea I think so, I mean back then there really weren’t any options - you didn’t have basketball, you didn’t have baseball. Obviously now you have some options, but to me the Argos have always been Canadian born. This is the home team of the city of Toronto.

What type of effect does a full stadium and an engaged fan base have on a player?

It's unbelievable. We're driven by enthusiasm and enthusiasm drives everything. You get excited about doing your job; I get excited about mine; you can ride that wave of enthusiasm. It makes it more difficult for the other teams to come in to be able to communicate; it helps you when something happens. Everybody likes a good pat on the back and when the fans start cheering it's like everybody's patting you on the back, so it's a lot of fun.

Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Argos running back/kick returner (1989-2000)

Is it (BMO Field) everything you hoped for when the team was shuffling off to Fort McMurray and Ottawa for home games last year?

This feels a little bit like heaven. It does feel like it's all worth it, yes.

When you played in the 90s, that was one of the most popular eras of Argonauts football. Is there an opportunity to get back to that level of popularity now?

This level and that level and possibly even more. I think we have an ability here to really build something that we can secure for the foreseeable future. We were up and down in the 90s - we had a ramp where we had a good team and a good business and then the business started to go down and the team went up. We have a chance to be able to have it all in this scenario, so we're really excited.

What does it mean to the players to have a full stadium and an engaged fan base?

It means everything in the world. A bit of an example is when you get a new pair of shoes. You can't wait to get those new shoes on - you actually organize your outfit that day so you can wear those shoes. And that's a little bit like what today is. 

Ultimately, the real success is going to involve a whole lot more than just having the new stadium right. You have to compete on the field, do all the things it takes to be successful. We're going to have to fight to win back some of our fans that have chosen other options. The path isn't going to be short; this is a boost, a shot in the arm, but the road is going to still be a little bit steeper I think than it seems on a day like this. But we're ready for it.