Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Bumface
I went to a Roughnecks game last night for the first time in over a decade. I was shocked to learn they pull ~12,000 fans. Buffalo gets something like ~18,000. This is during hockey season, competing for eyes with the Flames.
How does soccer only pull ~4,000? Is it just because this isn't a "top tier" league and people are fans of the game but not interested in this level? I still don't get how this game won't take off in this country.
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I think it boils down to three things:
1. Longevity. Roughnecks have been in Calgary for over 23 years, and the NLL itself almost 40. Cavalry is only 7 years old, and there was a year with no fans allowed due to the pandemic. Kids whose parents got free/cheap tickets to the Roughnecks are now adults and paying fans. Need to grow that fan base here for Cavs/pro soccer, and that takes a generation.
2. "Major League" Perception. NLL is arguably the most "major league" lacrosse league on earth. Sure, lacrosse is still very niche, but there aren't dozens of massive and established leagues that NLL lives in the shadow of. CPL is ranked 74 worldwide and is ranked 6 in Concacaf (MLS is #10 in the world, and #2 in Concacaf).
3. Location. Spruce Meadows is a great facility once you're there, but its remote and a pain in the ass to get to. The Saddledome is central, is an old but major league facility, and is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and on foot. ATCO Field also taps out around 6000 (they did 7000 for the final, but it was a lot of standing room and venue only tickets), and is priced accordingly to maximize revenue relative to capacity. I question whether Spruce Meadows could ever accommodate 12000+ without better transit access (even with their proposed stadium). McMahon sucks, but I bet the Cavs would average closer to 8k there, and I bet they would do 10k+ if there was a modern inner city stadium.
Funny thing is, as bad as CPL salaries are, NLL is worse, and the NLL still only has 14 teams after 40 years... in a lot of metrics, the CPL has a way higher potential. Best thing for the Cavs will be CCC at McMahon against major MLS and LigaMX clubs so local casual fans can see the potential for this club and league. No one other than soccer die hards seem to have noticed or cared that Cavs played Orlando and Pumas (and did well) because it was relegated to Victoria because ATCO isn't winter capable (ironically, it was warmer in Calgary last Feb).