The Toronto Argonauts will bring tailgating to all home games at BMO Field, the team's president announced Wednesday.

President and CEO Michael Copeland said tailgating will begin on June 23rd when the team is scheduled to play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

"It's all about coming together as one," Copeland said. "We firmly believe that we can deliver this at BMO field."

Copeland said the team wants to create a new social experience for Toronto football fans — but don't expect it to be BYOB, like what happens south of the border.

In Toronto, fans will be able to park their cars in a licensed area, buy beer, and bring their own propane or charcoal barbecues to cook food and hang out before kickoff.

"It's part of football culture and it will become part of Argos culture," Copeland said during a news conference.

"CFL is in my blood" says fan and former <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos">@TorontoArgos</a> chairman <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnTory">@JohnTory</a> says Toronto is a sports city and the Argos are now part of that —@Ali_Chiasson

Fans will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol, but cans of cold beer will be sold for $4 each. Other beverages, such as coolers and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.

"We intend this to be a family event and everyone will have the opportunity to throw the ball around with the people that they're here with," Copeland said.

A minimum of 250 parking spots will be available in the licensed area of Ontario Place Parking Lot 1. Priority will be given to season-ticket holders, while a limited number of spots will be reserved for the general public on a game-by-game basis. Reserving a tailgate spot will be done online.

A test run will happen at the team's June 11 pre-season game, with the main launch to come on June 23.

Tory calls it 'rite of passage'

Mayor John Tory, who attended the news conference, said he fully supports the initiative.

"Tailgating is a rite of passage for football fans," Tory said in a statement. "For too long, Toronto fans have been without tailgating and I'm thrilled we as a city have been able to make this happen."

Tory also said he's not worried that the parties will turn rowdy."We are mature adults who live in this city," he said. "There will be rules and appropriate supervision abd hopefully people will use common sense, but it doesn't mean you have to rule out fun."

Copeland said the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Toronto Police Services, Toronto Fire Services and Mothers Against Drunk Driving collaborated with the Argonauts to test out the idea.

The designated tailgate parking spots will be open at least three hours before games. Parking spots will be sold for a $5 premium on top of normal event parking rates, which will be $30 at Ontario Place and $35 at Exhibition Place.

Parking spots will be need to be purchased in advance as part of a season pass at Ontario Place or a half-season pass at Exhibition Place.

Toronto moves to BMO Field this year after 27 seasons at the Rogers Centre.

It's OFFICIAL!<br><br>Tailgating is coming to Toronto!<br><br>Get your grills ready 👉 <a href="https://t.co/CcHyJfRv8o">https://t.co/CcHyJfRv8o</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewBeginnings?src=hash">#NewBeginnings</a> <a href="https://t.co/tX5R7eY6tw">pic.twitter.com/tX5R7eY6tw</a> —@TorontoArgos

Can't BYOB for your <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos">@TorontoArgos</a> tailgate but beers will be $4.00 coolers available too <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCToronto">@CBCToronto</a> —@Ali_Chiasson