Toronto's Iconic Sign Will Honour A U.S. City Next Week If Mayor Tory Loses A Bet

Toronto has numerous famous landmarks, the CN Tower most prominent among them. The iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square is a source of pride for many locals, but what if you saw it lit up to honour a far-flung U.S. city? In case you didn't know, Toronto is involved in a sporting final this weekend, and the result will have an effect on how the city looks next week, too.

Mayor John Tory has made a bet with Seattle's own mayor, Jenny Durkan, ahead of Sunday's MLS Cup showdown between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders FC, and it could see the iconic Toronto sign honour the west-coast U.S. city.

TFC and the Sounders face off in North American soccer's biggest domestic game on Sunday in Washington state.

It's actually the third time the teams have battled in the MLS Cup game in the last four years, with the teams winning one apiece so far.

And Mayor Tory is backing the Reds. He's bet that if Seattle comes out on top in Sunday's clash, the iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square will rep the colour green for the whole day next Friday, November 15. Tory will also wear a Sounders scarf for the day.

It's not just the sign and the scarf, though.

"We're wagering three albums from our respective cities to go to the winning city. I can already hear the music ahead of a big @TorontoFC win this Sunday," Tory tweeted.

So which albums are gonna represent Toronto in this bet?

Tory disclosed he'll be sending "Starboy" by The Weeknd, Blue Rode's "Lost Together", and "Take Care". Because, of course, no Drake, no party.

If you're wondering what Seattle's mayor's end of the bargain entails if Toronto is the team to win, Durkan has agreed to light up Seattle City Hall in red and wear a TFC scarf for a full day.

Durkan's basket will include Seattle-made products, as well as three albums from Seattle-area artists. Nirvana, of course, are represented with their classic grunge record "Nevermind".

The other two? "I Forgive You" by Brandi Carlile and "This Place Is A Mess" by TacoCat. We're not sure what to make of those, but there you are.

Although this bet is all fun and games, there's a serious cause to be supported, too.

Tory and Durkin will be donating $300 each to their respective local branch of United Way for every goal scored by their teams.

Toronto FC battle the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field in Seattle at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, November 10. 

Pre-game rallies and viewing parties are being held in several locations across the city. Soccer-mad Raptors star Marc Gasol will likely be out in support of the Reds. Why don't you join him?

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