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The only unknown applies to a yet-to-be-scheduled preseason game at BMO Field against the Redblacks. But that is the small point in a big-picture outlook that represents progress and the potential to attract the playing customer.

For the Boatmen, the 2018 season officially begins in Regina on June 15, a rematch of the East final when Ridernation came to town and fell to Ricky Ray’s late touchdown drive to send Toronto to the Grey Cup.

The 2017 schedule had the Argos play four Western opponents to end the season. This time around, the Argos play the West six times in a row to open the new season before playing their first divisional game, Aug. 2 against visiting Ottawa.

The season wraps up on Nov. 2 in Ottawa, finishing a stretch that sees the Argos play four games against divisional foes.

Fittingly, the halfway point arrives on Labour Day and Toronto’s annual visit to the Hammer on Sept. 3. The home-and-home also returns this coming season with the Ticats visiting BMO on Sept. 8.

With seven home dates scheduled on Saturdays, no one can ever use an inconsistent schedule as a reason for not wanting to attend a game. Ottawa’s visit in early August is on Thursday, while Hamilton’s second visit falls on a Friday.

The CFL has done away with short weeks and padded practices during the season to try to preserve players and promote safety.

Each team will get three bye weeks in 2018 with the Argos scheduled to be off in Weeks 3, 9 and 14.

They will be home once during the annual CNE — Aug. 18 against B.C. for a 4 p.m. kickoff with free admission to the grounds with the purchase of a game ticket.