Stampeders Attendance

[Erick Estrada]

I go with my son to a minimum of 3-4 games a year and the problems are as many have already described;

1. TSN shows all the games and especially at this time of the year where things cool off it's easy to stay home and watch in HD.
2. Tickets have gone up considerably in some areas. It's not fans fault McMahon is soon to be the only stadium in the league not to have corporate boxes for revenue generation and it's kind of unfair to pass off the costs to them.
3. Poor stadium experience. It's soon to be the oldest stadium in the league and it looks and feels every bit of it. In this day and age charging money for backless seats is like selling a new car with AM radio only. The concourse at halftime is a total train wreck and the washrooms suck. It's also not kid friendly as some areas are full of completely sh$tfaced drunks spewing foul language as well there just isn't much there to keep them occupied and the constant visits to the washroom (kids) make the experience trying.
4. Lack of any promotional giveaways or entertainment outside of the football game. The whole experience trails what paying customers expect from a sporting event.

The Stamps did a feasibility study on McMahon and it was determined by 2018 the structure will be completely obsolete and not worth any amount of upgrading. I feel the Stamps are just going to move along doing the bare minimum at present time as they progress in their plans for a new arena and stadium but in the mean time things aren't going to get much better and I don't expect the same attendance levels of the 90's until they move into the new stadium.

[Julio]

Agree with most of what you say EE, but McMahon does have corporate boxes, abet a lot less than some other stadia.

[CrunchBite]

I was a season ticket holder from 2007-2011.

What stopped me from renewing was

1. Overpriced concession, beer especially. Last time I checked beer was actually more $/ounce than at a Flames game. It seemed to go up and up every year, it was $6.25 for a can of Canadian that last time I was at a game, which is just ridiculous at a CFL game.

2. Bush league refereeing, clear bias shown for certain teams.

The stadium definitely needs updating, especially in the bathroom department as well.

[SuperMatt18]

TV

But because it also means later start times due to the Friday night TSN Double header.

I don't mind going to Stamps games but when you have 8:00 PM starts late into September and into October it can be downright cold.

It is fine for the dedicated fans but when you are a more casual fan or are just looking for a night out with the Family or GF that is too late of a start time with the weather in Calgary.

It actually seems like they tried to improve that this year though with more 7:00PM starts. However I still think that is late for football game though. Football is one of those sports that is more enjoyable when it is a nice warm afternoon and you are able to sit in the sun, drink a couple beers, and watch the game.

[Plett25]

Originally Posted by DOOM

Season should start on June 1st.

Regular season should end around September 30th.

Grey Cup should be the 3rd week of October.

Football is a autumn school sport, the traditional start date is beginning of September and the traditional ending date is the end of November. But, professional football requires more games than amateur football.

The CFL kept the traditional end date and starts the season earlier.
The NFL kept the traditional start date and ends the season later.

Leave it like it is.

[burn_baby_burn]

The CFL does have great athletes. Its the oddball rules that keep me from tuning in. I live 90 minutes from two CFL stadiums and I spend good money to fly to KC to watch the NFL instead. If the CFL adopted NFL, NCAA rules, I would have season tickets to the Stamps. Just my opinion, I know that some prefer the CFL to the NFL.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by Howie_16

Talk about a first world problem. When did everyone get so soft? Are we Canadian or not!? Dress properly and enjoy the game first hand, or turn in your passport!

I know, i say the same thing to people in rv's. Roll up your tent grab a fishing rod and head into the bush. When did everyone get so soft? Are we Canadian or not? Dress properly and enjoy the outdoors first hand, or turn in your passport

[Cuz]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

The CFL does have great athletes. Its the oddball rules that keep me from tuning in. I live 90 minutes from two CFL stadiums and I spend good money to fly to KC to watch the NFL instead. If the CFL adopted NFL, NCAA rules, I would have season tickets to the Stamps. Just my opinion, I know that some prefer the CFL to the NFL.

And the NFL has some stupid rules as well, what's your point? I've never understood those who feel that you can't enjoy both the CFL and NFL. Each league has it's pros and cons, just sit back and enjoy.

[Howie_16]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

I know, i say the same thing to people in rv's. Roll up your tent grab a fishing rod and head into the bush. When did everyone get so soft? Are we Canadian or not? Dress properly and enjoy the outdoors first hand, or turn in your passport

I'm sure that hardcore outdoorsy types don't understand why people "camp" in RV's when they can get a more authentic experience by sleeping in tents. The main difference is that they probably prefer that less people are around whereas when I go to sporting events it is more fun when the stadium is full.

Originally Posted by Cuz

I've never understood those who feel that you can't enjoy both the CFL and NFL. Each league has it's pros and cons, just sit back and enjoy.

And go to the games! The NFL is NEVER coming to Calgary, so get out and support the hometown team!

[St. Pats]

Finding someone who wants to go with you is what I find a challenge. Some will go when the weather is nice but only if say the Roughriders are in town. When the weather turns I can't find anybody interested in freezing, uncomfortable seats and ignorantly priced concession area items. Frankly as I type it staying at home and watching TV just can't be beat. Other than going to see people you actually know play amateur sports.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Cuz

And the NFL has some stupid rules as well, what's your point? I've never understood those who feel that you can't enjoy both the CFL and NFL. Each league has it's pros and cons, just sit back and enjoy.

I don't think I used the word "stupid". Its the three downs that bother me. You have a short run on 1st down. An incomplete pass on 2nd down. Then you need to punt. Personally, I like the drama of third down in american football.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by browna

I think the restrictive tailgating rules brought in a couple years ago by, among others, the CPS, has something to do with some of that too That said, in some regard you're just attracting the demographic that are there to get trashed before the game with friends and then remain trashed when entering the stadium.

The season they won their last Grey Cup was the best tailgating atmosphere I have ever been a part of in Calgary, and the closest its ever been to the NFL. Why they shut it down I have no idea.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

The CFL does have great athletes. Its the oddball rules that keep me from tuning in. I live 90 minutes from two CFL stadiums and I spend good money to fly to KC to watch the NFL instead. If the CFL adopted NFL, NCAA rules, I would have season tickets to the Stamps. Just my opinion, I know that some prefer the CFL to the NFL.

Where others see the CFL as "gimmicky", I see the NFL as kiddie pool football. Everything about it is a simplified version of the Canadian game. Longer play clock, less movement allowed, fair catch, touchbacks, more time outs, etc. I think the Canadian game evolved into a more nuanced version of the sport. If the CFL adopted NFL rules, my interest in football would likely fall to zero. But again, to each their own.

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

This thread has proved that the NFL is a reason attendance is the way it is. Its been mentioned numerous times and I am another who forgets about the CFL once the NFL season starts.

Except, it didn't. The plural of anecdote is not data.

The data shows that the league average attendance (36 games) before the September 5 start of the NFL season was 27,219. The average attendance (24 games) since the NFL season started is 25,629. The 1600 fan difference is easily made up by the elevated crowds of the Labour Day Classics.

Now, Calgary specifically is down by about 3500 fans after the NFL season starts. But again, that is explained by the opposition. The first four games (avg 30,464) had the Labour Day game and a game against Saskatchwean. The last four (avg. 26,960) has had neither.

[Joborule]

Something to consider with bumping up the Grey Cup to late October, is that it does effect the CIS season.

I imagine it's in the CFL's interest that CIS interests are also considered, and their season doesn't begin until the final week of August. There's no way that CIS football can start earlier if it wants to maintain a 10 week schedule. If the CFL season ends before the CIS season even gets into playoffs, then potential in growing interest in that league could be extremely difficult. They at least have a chance at gain support if the CFL was going on at the same time.

[TurnedTheCorner]

It's got to be a combination of the TV coverage and ticket prices. I can't remember the last time I wanted to tune into a Stamps game only to find it was blacked out locally.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

I'm having trouble buying the "stadium is a dump" angle on troubling attendance figures. Sure, its old and could probably use replacing. But for the CFL its not that bad, I think its in a great spot; somewhat central, right off the C-train line. Great scenery too, I love sitting on the East side on a summer evening, simultaneously watching football and the sun setting behind the mountains (and still a nice view of downtown) while having a beer. So great.

It might not be that bad in comparison, but I know when the GF and I went to the Labour day game, we both said "that was nice, but I don't think we'll come back this year".

Angles aren't great, concessions and access aren't great, seats are just plain uncomfortable with no backs and you can be staring directly into the sun for periods of time. Especially at the $45 dollar price point.

I would argue "press level seating" gives you better value at the dome.

Just easier to watch it on TV.

[shermanator]

According to the numbers on cfl.ca, the final attendance for Calgary this year was 29263, which is actually 2% higher than last year. Don't get me wrong, I know that 29000+ don't show up each game, but just commenting on the sales. Stamps attendance is still very healthy for the CFL.

Now let's sell out McMahon for the West Final. I know I'm going, and trying to get others to go as well.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by shermanator

According to the numbers on cfl.ca, the final attendance for Calgary this year was 29263, which is actually 2% higher than last year. Don't get me wrong, I know that 29000+ don't show up each game, but just commenting on the sales. Stamps attendance is still very healthy for the CFL.

Now let's sell out McMahon for the West Final. I know I'm going, and trying to get others to go as well.

That will depend, almost entirely, on two factors.

1) the opposition...if its Sask, then chances are good if number 2 is OK

2) the weather..and IMO this is the biggest factor by far. If its even just cool out, people will show. If its -10 (or worse) and windy, then many will stay away in droves.

[RogerWilco]

Originally Posted by Red John

Part of the problem is that the CFL is a dying breed. The officiating is awful and with the inferior talent level and gimmicky rules it's not something the younger generation identifies with. Not to mention it isn't marketed well and is really just a TSN thing sort of like the World Juniors.

Combine that with the fact that the NFL is marketed well and fantasy football has become a casual thing that everyone does instead of just a nerd thing.

The CFL could probably stay relevant by dropping ticket prices to $5 for cheap seats to encourage non-football fans to come out and spend an afternoon in the sun and drink (sort of like baseball). That probably doesn't make financial sense though, or one would think they'd have done that by now.

The CFL is sort of like classical music - your grandparents still watch/listen. And that's about it. The younger/trendy crowd isn't into it. Is it any wonder that the CFL cities with the worst attendance per capita are the ones where there are other things to do?

Wow, did you ever miss the mark on that one. The CFL is stronger and makes more money than it ever has. The Stampeders attendance is actually up by 2.5% from last year.

I also don't know how rules that are older than the NFL rules could be gimmicky? That doesn't even make any sense.

[RogerWilco]

Originally Posted by Jiggy

I think the CFL game is awesome. It's also more fun to watch than the NFL 80% of the time. I know people who think the CFL is "weak", yet they only like the NFL cause of the monster name it is. Stamps have a great product on the field. They've only had a real bad stretch for about four years in the early-mid 2000's. But...

McMahon is a terrible place to watch a game, especially in the cold. Plus, they took away tail gating and CPS started giving out tickets in the process. It really drove people away from the great football experience. There is plenty of Stamps fans in this city, I'm sure with a new stadium and tail gating rules they would sell out in no time,

That is simply not true. I was at a tailgate just last night. What the CPS did was crack down on the drunken mess that used to happen in the parking lot. As long as you don't wave a beer in the cops face they look the other way if you aren't acting like an idiot.