CFL 2023 Regular Season Thread - GO STAMPS!

[lambeburger]

Calgary Stampeders’ season-ticket base down over 30 percent since 2015

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by lambeburger

Calgary Stampeders’ season-ticket base down over 30 percent since 2015

There is some interesting math in that article, but the basic fact remains — not enough new, young fans who are interested in coming to games let alone buying season tickets. Also, the perks of a STH are pretty slim — a couple of horse decals isn’t really cutting it. Glad they are offering some deals for concessions but there’s a lot more they can do when it comes to growing the fanbase…

[jayswin]

That's so crazy that charging $40 after tax for corner, high school bleachers led to nobody coming to the games except already established fans. Insane, but the Calgary Flames are so smart I'm sure it's the fans fault for not showing up.

[White Out 403]

I'm sure I'll catch some arrows for this, but, I noticed that Calgarys starting to get a lot more of the Toronto attitude towards the NFL and CFL. Turning up their nose at the CFL and only supporting the NFL. I don't care if you suddenly decide that the Cincinnati Bengals are your team, as long as you also support the local product. But the people who refuse to watch the CFL in a market with a CFL team but buy a bunch of NFL merch are a bunch of America simps to me. Embarrassing really. I promise you, no one in Cincinnati gives a #### you exist.

*im using this as a random nfl team and not specifically calling anyone out that posts here

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

I'm sure I'll catch some arrows for this, but, I noticed that Calgarys starting to get a lot more of the Toronto attitude towards the NFL and CFL. Turning up their nose at the CFL and only supporting the NFL. I don't care if you suddenly decide that the Cincinnati Bengals are your team, as long as you also support the local product. But the people who refuse to watch the CFL in a market with a CFL team but buy a bunch of NFL merch are a bunch of America simps to me. Embarrassing really. I promise you, no one in Cincinnati gives a #### you exist.

*im using this as a random nfl team and not specifically calling anyone out that posts here

I'm sure there's some of that, but I think it's more the case that McMahon Stadium is long past its prime and when you see other teams in the league getting shiny new stadiums, it makes people wonder why the same thing isn't happening in Calgary. That along with what tvp2003 posted earlier about very few incentives for season ticket holders and people rapidly come to the conclusion that they have better things to spend their money on than seasons tickets for the Stamps.

[chedder]

The stadium experience and the location of McMahon are two reasons why we gave up our seats a few years ago. Say what you will about Calgary Next but having both pro sports teams downtown in modern venues would have been the way to go. I wished this new arena announcement would have included a new home for the Stamps as well.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

I'm sure there's some of that, but I think it's more the case that McMahon Stadium is long past its prime and when you see other teams in the league getting shiny new stadiums, it makes people wonder why the same thing isn't happening in Calgary. That along with what tvp2003 posted earlier about very few incentives for season ticket holders and people rapidly come to the conclusion that they have better things to spend their money on than seasons tickets for the Stamps.

There's a lot of apathy to McMahon stadium in this city and that's hurt the team. That said, attendance is declining league-wide so this isn't just a Calgary thing. The pandemic hit the CFL harder than other professional sports teams and of all leagues the CFL is one that couldn't afford to drop out of the spotlight for a year or two especially trying to gain traction with younger generations. The future of this league is largely dependant on unearthing younger generations of fans and that's going to be a steep climb as they have been trying for some time and it's not been working very well. I still think they need to be more transparent with player salaries and salary cap as that's something that younger fans expect of their leagues and the shroud of secrecy the CFL operates under comes off as shady and Mickey Mouse.

[dirk diggler]

To me McMahon being dated to say the least is not that big of a deal especially as many of the games are in summer and that is enjoyable. I quite like the venues location, a bit nostalgia for me which certainly doesnt apply to younger fans. Even if there was a shiny new stadium, i am not sure many more people would attend, maybe initially but not for long

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

To me McMahon being dated to say the least is not that big of a deal especially as many of the games are in summer and that is enjoyable. I quite like the venues location, a bit nostalgia for me which certainly doesnt apply to younger fans. Even if there was a shiny new stadium, i am not sure many more people would attend, maybe initially but not for long

I think it would help in regards to selling more corporate suites and bring curious and casual fans in the building and if the product was good possibly roping in some younger fans but no it wouldn't be a cure all for the organization. Ideally a retractable roof stadium would be perfect for Calgary's climate as if they could close the roof they would get better attendance in the fall and sell out playoff games. Never going to happen but I feel that's probably best case scenario for long term viability in this city and climate as evening games in the fall are cold in Calgary relative to the other cities in the CFL.

[Cheese]

Draft goes tonight!


Heres a top 25 from 3Down
https://3downnation.com/2023/05/01/3...aft-prospects/

[Julio]

Global Draft was this morning. Stamps take an O Lineman from Temple University (who is Swedish), and a linebacker from Germany.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/02/global...first-overall/

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Julio

Global Draft was this morning. Stamps take an O Lineman from Temple University (who is Swedish), and a linebacker from Germany.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/02/global...first-overall/

CSEC sure loves their Swedes!

[Flickered Flame]

Stamps have selected WR Cole Tucker with the 4th overall pick. Duane Ford called him the most completed receiver in the draft.

[transplant99]

Cgy goes WR....not a surprise.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Philpot is going to be good. How does this guy compare?

With the weather so nice it would be nice to have some football

[Da_Chief]

Stamps have high potential Canadian receivers now. Philpot, Tucker, John, Hakunavanhu witj depth pieces in Hunchak and Middlemost.

[Cheese]

Stamps Picks
https://3downnation.com/2023/05/02/a...023-cfl-draft/

2 Receivers
2 Tight Ends
2 DLs
1 OL
1 K


1 (4) Calgary Stampeders (via Hamilton) — REC Cole Tucker, Northern Illinois
3DownNation‘s No. 10-ranked prospect.
The native of DeKalb, Ill. was a late addition to this year’s draft class as he qualified for Canadian status through his mother, who was born in Brandon, Man. before earning a gymnastics scholarship to Northern Illinois.
Tucker made 155 catches for 2,030 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Huskies and ran a 4.67-second forty-yard dash at the school’s recent pro day. The six-foot-one, 193-pound target projects as a CFL slotback who will benefit from the waggle.
His father, Brett Tucker, was a walk-on at defensive back for Northern Illinois who was selected in the eighth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Tucker received an invitation to attend rookie minicamp with the Minnesota Vikings, which will give him an opportunity to earn an NFL contract for training camp.
This is a great pick for the Stampeders, who needed to add some firepower to their receiving corps. With Jalen Philpot emerging last year and Tucker in the mix alongside players like Rysen John and Luther Hakunavanhu, Calgary suddenly has one of the league’s best groups of young Canadian receivers.


3 (22) Calgary Stampeders — DL Kwadwo Boahen, Alberta
The six-foot-one, 278-pound interior defender was rumoured to be a potential top-tester at the CFL Combine but failed to produce eye-popping results. He’s got a solid motor but needs to develop his body and his pass-rushing skills in order to make an impact at the CFL level.
This pick makes perfect positional sense for the Stampeders, who needed to add depth behind starting defensive tackle Derek Wiggan.


3 (24) Calgary Stampeders — REC Clark Barnes, Guelph
3DownNation‘s No. 15-ranked prospect.
The six-foot-one, 198-pound target originally committed to the University of Maine before returning home to his home province to play at the University of Guelph. Though he has a bit of a smaller frame, Barnes has drawn comparisons to Kian Schaffer-Baker from playing at Guelph as well as his explosiveness.
He ran a 4.53-second forty-yard dash at the CFL Combine, which was on full display when he returned kicks for touchdowns in each of his first three career U Sports games. The concern with Barnes is his durability as he played only 17 contests at the collegiate level.
This is a really nice addition for the Stamps, who have now added two blue-chip receivers in the same draft.


4 (33) Calgary Stampeders — OL Alexandre Marcoux, McGill
A four-year starter who projects as a centre at the CFL level. The six-foot-two, 296-pound blocker is worth developing, though he’ll have to show improvement quickly as he is already 25. This was a much-needed addition for Calgary, as the club only has five Canadian offensive linemen under contract at the moment.


5 (42) Calgary Stampeders — DL Ryan Leder, McMaster
The Hamilton native put up 58.5 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass knockdowns, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles over 27 career games with the Marauders. He projects as a special teams player at the CFL level.


6 (49) Calgary Stampeders — TE Sebastian Howard, Saint Mary’s
The Calgary native was one of the most pleasant surprises of the CFL Invitational Combine, running a 4.71-second forty-yard dash at six-foot-five and 219 pounds. Howard overcame homelessness as a teenager and a transfer from UBC after losing his academic eligibility.
He doesn’t have a lot of offensive production from his tenure with the Huskies but Howard has one of the most intriguing combinations of size and athleticism of any player in this draft.


6 (51) Calgary Stampeders — K Campbell Fair, Ottawa
The native of Carrying Place, Ont. only made 70.6 percent of his collegiate field goals but nailed a 55-yard game winner with the Gee-Gees this past season, which tied for the third-longest field goal in U Sports history. His career punting average is 37.7 yards, so he will likely be viewed as more of a placekicker than a punter at the CFL level.


8 (69) Calgary Stampeders — TE Lucas Robertson, UBC
The six-foot-four, 235-pound native of Edmonton has made 21 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown over 19 career games with the Thunderbirds.

[tvp2003]

Ahhhh, the CFL Draft. Where you could end up with an Alex Singleton, or you could end up with a Randy Colling.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

There's a lot of apathy to McMahon stadium in this city and that's hurt the team. That said, attendance is declining league-wide so this isn't just a Calgary thing. The pandemic hit the CFL harder than other professional sports teams and of all leagues the CFL is one that couldn't afford to drop out of the spotlight for a year or two especially trying to gain traction with younger generations. The future of this league is largely dependant on unearthing younger generations of fans and that's going to be a steep climb as they have been trying for some time and it's not been working very well. I still think they need to be more transparent with player salaries and salary cap as that's something that younger fans expect of their leagues and the shroud of secrecy the CFL operates under comes off as shady and Mickey Mouse.

Seriously though -- BC and Edmonton have recently taken steps to make the game more accessible (cheaper/free tickets for kids, cheaper concessions), but obviously not every team is doing this, and league wide the focus appears to be growing the game globally versus locally. Football as a sport is as popular as it has ever been (?) so I think you also have to hook "football" fans into the CFL game.

Heck, throw it back to the "longer, wider, faster" campaign, build up fantasy football, expand tailgating, and make it an experience. Locally they should leverage the Stampede and make that week a sold out, must attend game. Labour Day should be Labour Week with a convoy of fans driving up Highway 2 for both games.

[Erick Estrada]

I really like what the Eskimos are doing. If you have a 30+ thousand seat stadium that's 2/3 full at the best of times what do you have to lose by letting kids 12 and under in free? Chances are you will get concession sales and it's a great way to get the interest up and start a tradition with families. I have really fond memories of my aunt taking me to Stamps games when I was a kid. Although there's a good chance I would have been a Stamps fan regardless, I can say watching the games at McMahon when football was new to me kickstarted my fandom and got me in the game as I was a Stamps fan before I was a Raiders fan.