Quote:
Originally Posted by JD
That's a BS excuse. It's that they're not willing to put in the time to learn the game and the players. I love the NFL and fully admit I lose interest in the CFL from the week after Labour Day until the playoffs, but it is not "subpar quality". It's very different and doesn't look the same as the NFL, but these guys are pros and among the very best athletes you can find. Remember, lots of these guys were stars on big time college programs. They didn't make the NFL because they don't necessarily suit the NFL prototype, not because they trip all over themselves on the gridiron.
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Thanks! Finally someone with some common sense! I brought a buddy of mine to the last Stamps game and spent 30 mins trying to explain to him that the CFL is not the AHL to the NFL. The game is so completely different that it requires a completely different kind of athlete. 3 downs, wider field, longer field, 20 second time clock, 12 players, less time outs, field goals at the front of the endzone, motion in the backfield, etc. All these things require a different kind of athlete and skill set. I get angry when people say the CFL is minor league. Comparing the CFL to the NFL is comparing apples to oranges.
As far as Stampeders attendance, I agree it is really disappointing. The product on the field is top notch, but I think there are a few factors which revolve around game day atmosphere that is the driving force. First the stadium is a mess. In a few short years McMahon will soon become the most outdated stadium in the league (next to Montreal, but their stadium has a lot more going for it that masks its age). Winnipeg, Hamilton, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Toronto will all have brand new stadiums, BC, Edmonton, and Montreal with significant renovations. We need to keep up with the other cities. New stadiums with better concessions, facilities, team stores, concourses, gathering areas, and seats will attract and keep fans.
Second is the large increase in ticket price. Selling the upper nosebleed corners for $40 is ridiculous. No wonder they are empty. I would rather see those seats sell for $20 and be sold out than try and squeeze a couple extra dollars with higher prices but a smaller crowd. Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. They need to create a cheaper college rowdy zone and family zone.
Third is in game promotion. The Stamps need to start promoting the tail gate parties, decorate the parking lots with huge banenrs, have inflatable tents for kids, give out free gifts to EVERYONE not the first 1000, throw mini footballs into the upper decks, attract better half time shows, create better fan contests on the field (tired of the blindfold find the raft game), display their history better (Grey Cup banners, plaques, etc.), and finally increase their marketing. I thought with the Flames as owners there would be a lot more marketing. I have seen nothing other than the usual newspaper ads. They have to build the team and league off their long history, rivalries, and exciting future. There is no buzz around the team. To make the fans leave their couch they have to give them a reason to attend. Unfortunately today's fan requires more than just the game.