Quote:
Originally Posted by Muta
I'm doing the $30 tickets from the Ship tonight, so I hear you there. My thing about the location is this - it is far, you're right... but once you go to a couple games you realize it isn't all that bad. When I drive there I just listen to good music and enjoy the journey. Plus, the way that the grounds are set up, it's a really beautiful atmosphere once you get there!
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Very true. You have to treat it as a day out, and it really is a neat place. That being said, the distance is still a barrier for a lot of people. I live in Tuscany, so Spruce Meadows on a weekend requires a bit of planning and scheduling, but can be done. But Spruce Meadows on a weeknight? That's a big ask for a lot of the population. If lived in Silverado, I'd definitely consider moseying on over there on a weeknight.
The distance is an issue, but can be forgiven for a number of reasons. Real grass, neat venue, intimate setting, non-Flames owners but still able to provide stability, etc.
Cup matches are a funny beast though. Even in Europe, the early rounds of the cups are poorly attended because season ticket holders are asked to buy the tickets as each round progresses. Plans may have already been made, or the opponent isn't exciting, etc. The response in Europe is heavy discounts and it is seen as a way to get new, young supporters into the stands. Cavalry reduced prices very slightly for this one, but the starting point is already off the charts, and the "discounted" prices are still widely rejected as audacious.
I'm so cynical that, should we end up hosting the Whitecaps, I wouldn't be surprised if prices actually increased due to the novelty and the place ended up nearly empty.