2023 Cavalry FC and CPL Thread

[cam_wmh]

It's just so predictable, a former Forge executive just lands in the CSA head chair.


/hole punched.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Looks like both ends of the pitch will be consistent sellouts. The grand stand looks spotty for the home opener in two weeks. That said, lots more people will be looking at tickets if the forecast looks good.

I reckon we see minor improvements. Sherm did a more detailed back ground.


As an aside, we are filling out the CPL bingo card in one day, both expansion and attendance talk all we need to talk about now is Forge running the CPL front office.

On that bingo card, FTF is the free space, right?

[MillerTime GFG]

Was chatting with Leon earlier tonight. Shome covered 11.9km Vs Forge. Most ever by a Cavs player. I think he was saying the most in the prem this year is 12.4kms. Pretty impressive.

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

Speaking of attendance, does anyone know how things are looking for Cavalry this year? I think that some people were still taking a "wait and see" approach with Covid in the early parts of 2022, plus just in the habit of not going out as much. I am hopeful that 2023 (and beyond) will see a bit of a bump.

When I chatted with the front office at the jersey launch they mentioned that they were almost level on season ticket sales compared to last year. So I'd expect attendance to be relatively flat compared to last year. In theory people who are disenchanted with the state of the Flames might look Cavalry's way but I don't think that's going to actually happen.

The Big Rock section has been almost doubled so I imagine that may help walk up sales.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by shermanator

The Big Rock section has been almost doubled so I imagine that may help walk up sales.

On a related note, there is a Big Rock Brewery/bottle store here in the GTA that shows sports on TV. I'm a sucker for Grasshopper and Trad, so if I can just get the manager to play Cavs games, it might become my Big Rock section away from home

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by shermanator

When I chatted with the front office at the jersey launch they mentioned that they were almost level on season ticket sales compared to last year. So I'd expect attendance to be relatively flat compared to last year. In theory people who are disenchanted with the state of the Flames might look Cavalry's way but I don't think that's going to actually happen.

The Big Rock section has been almost doubled so I imagine that may help walk up sales.

Such a shame. I know that this horse is beyond dead at this point, but they'd make a lot more money if they lowered ticket prices. Especially in the main stand. Good to see the Big Rock section growing though. They'll no doubt come out with some game pack deals, family packs, promos later in the season, etc. again to try and fill the gaps.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting back there in a week and a half. Such a nice way to spend an afternoon.

[Muta]

Yeah I have no idea why they don't just lower ticket prices under the canopy a bit. The north and south end stands are cheap, and are always full. Wouldn't they also make more in concession sales if they just lowered ticket prices? Or is that too 'black and white' in terms of logic?

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Muta

Yeah I have no idea why they don't just lower ticket prices under the canopy a bit. The north and south end stands are cheap, and are always full. Wouldn't they also make more in concession sales if they just lowered ticket prices? Or is that too 'black and white' in terms of logic?

Absolutely. An empty seat doesn't buy food or beer. And an empty seat doesn't become a regular, or bring their friends next time, or buy merch.

IMO, the ideal price is one where you are selling your last ticket right before kickoff. If you're not getting there (or even getting to 50% of capacity), then lower prices. If you're selling out every game, raise them a bit (or expand, or both).

It seems they're committed to this model as it has only seen very small tweaks over the years, with predictably similar attendance.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Muta

Yeah I have no idea why they don't just lower ticket prices under the canopy a bit. The north and south end stands are cheap, and are always full. Wouldn't they also make more in concession sales if they just lowered ticket prices? Or is that too 'black and white' in terms of logic?

Muta, I like where your heads at. I'd prefer to spend less haha.

[Ozy_Flame]

A slight drop in ticket prices would surely be made up for in food and drink purchases, merchandising sales, and parking.

Everyone knows Spruce Meadows has a great game day experience, so utilize your environment to generate more revenue.

[Muta]

I'll be talking to Ben and Mason soon, I'll actually ask them this. Stay tuned.

[Redliner]

The Cavs could likely sell out Atco if they dropped ticket prices by 20%. There are lots of football fans in Calgary who don't go to Cavs games because they think the tickets are too expensive for the level of football. Lower prices will also bring out families or casual fans who are looking for an economical but fun night out. The atmosphere at Spruce Meadows sells itself once you get there, but you have to get people in the door first and right now the perceived cost is still a barrier for a lot of people. Rightly or wrongly the CPL just doesn't have the drawing power of the NHL or even CFL, and in order to build the brand up you need to get butts in the seats however you can.

[Ozy_Flame]

If they don't want to lower individual ticket prices, they could always encourage a family pack situation. Sometime like 20% off tickets for a bundle of three, 25% for a bundle of four, 30% for a bundle of five.

I think it's important to get more kids out to the games, especially for the covered sections. Kids also generate revenue through all of the service and merchandise sales - and in family numbers (little Bobby wants a hot dog, little Carly wants one too).

[shermanator]

We bring up ticket prices all the time with the club. It isn't going to change unfortunately.

[TheIronMaiden]

It is likely ownership sees keeping prices flat as a discount after all the inflation. I understand that the team offers a premium game day experience, but it isn't worth $80 a seat.

[Johnny199r]

I see single-game tickets for $35 including fees and taxes. Doesn't seem crazy to me.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

I see single-game tickets for $35 including fees and taxes. Doesn't seem crazy to me.

I agree, they normally sell out most if not all of those tickets. The Cavs have no problem getting 3000 fans come to a game, but they rarely get more than that. the tickets that cost $50 or above do not sell well you can see it in the stands before the second half, by the second half most fans migrate to the empty seats closer to the pitch.

[TheIronMaiden]

I think that it is important to say that any ticket under $50 to a cavalry FC game is great value!

[MillerTime GFG]

Pretty bummed...my Nation's cup soccer team all got tickets for the home opener because we won the tournament a couple weeks back, but I'm out of town. I mean, I'm in Mexico so it could be worse, but it woulda been fun.

If you see a group of rowdy has-beens, that'll be them. I'm quite confident they're going to put in a good shift...Most of the guys played with or against Tommy and Ledge back in the day, so it should be fun...I can hear them already...


My two boys are obsessed with the Cavs, especially after doing the Cavs camp over spring break, so I'll be sure to attend a few games this year.

[Ozy_Flame]

TSS Rovers upset Valour FC tonight. That's .... Something else.