Why has Argonauts Home Game Attendance declined so much in 1 year? (2013-2014)

[paulwoods13]

So last night on a Tuesday night against the worst draw in the CFL we had our biggest home crowd of the season so far.

Do the Argonauts draw better during the week instead of the weekend?

It's a good question. Certainly a surprisingly large crowd, possibly caused by some heavily discounted ticket deals.

[AngeloV]

It's a good question. Certainly a surprisingly large crowd, possibly caused by some heavily discounted ticket deals.

I was a nice crowd. Can't help but wonder about the discounts. The majority of the crowd was sitting on the Argos side. I am on the visitor side and there were plenty of empty seats. Perhaps a strategic move, seeing as how the TV cameras are on the visitor side, making the tv appearance of a big crowd.

[Will]

I was a nice crowd. Can't help but wonder about the discounts. The majority of the crowd was sitting on the Argos side. I am on the visitor side and there were plenty of empty seats. Perhaps a strategic move, seeing as how the TV cameras are on the visitor side, making the tv appearance of a big crowd.

I think there is also a natural inclination to sit behind your team's bench versus the away team's bench. There were still plenty of empty seats that's for sure, but it was certainly more full than it was the previous couple of games.

[AaronInToronto]

We ArgoLifers sit on the Visitor's side intentionally. We make as much noise as possible, trting to drown out opposing team's calls, etc. We've had visiting teams complain, so we know we're doing our job.

[Tau Ceti]

I think the team learned from the Tuesday after Labour Day last year that they needed to take advance steps to avoid an empty stadium. Selling at Taste of the Danforth, ten dollar tix, youth groups, etc. They did a reasonable job getting the crowd out. The announced figure (18,106) is only a few hundred better than opening day but to my eye it looked like one to two thousand more.

[AngeloV]

I think the team learned from the Tuesday after Labour Day last year that they needed to take advance steps to avoid an empty stadium. Selling at Taste of the Danforth, ten dollar tix, youth groups, etc. They did a reasonable job getting the crowd out. The announced figure (18,106) is only a few hundred better than opening day but to my eye it looked like one to two thousand more.

To me it looked as if there were about 5k more of actual butts in seats than either of the first 2 games.

[Neely2005]

I'd also like to point out that the crowd was pretty loud last night too. There were 8 people in our group and they all enjoyed themselves. Everyone that I've brought to a game always comes back for another game.

[Rich]

So last night on a Tuesday night against the worst draw in the CFL we had our biggest home crowd of the season so far.

Do the Argonauts draw better during the week instead of the weekend?

I noticed a lot more 18-30 year olds there than usual. These are people who (I am told) like to hang out with a drink during the week and look for fun things to do. They tend to be busier with more planned events on the weekends.

[Argocister]

So last night on a Tuesday night against the worst draw in the CFL we had our biggest home crowd of the season so far.

Do the Argonauts draw better during the week instead of the weekend?

Wasn't it a year or so ago where the Tuesday night summertime game brought in more than the weekend? Which one could rationalize that those on holidays will make it in for a game, or those working in TO can make it down for a game .... and leave the weekend free for the family gatherings or trips to the cottage.

We ArgoLifers sit on the Visitor's side intentionally. We make as much noise as possible, trting to drown out opposing team's calls, etc. We've had visiting teams complain, so we know we're doing our job.

Good for you guys.... you are definitely doing your job.

[AngeloV]

I noticed a lot more 18-30 year olds there than usual. These are people who (I am told) like to hang out with a drink during the week and look for fun things to do. They tend to be busier with more planned events on the weekends.

Wasn't it a year or so ago where the Tuesday night summertime game brought in more than the weekend? Which one could rationalize that those on holidays will make it in for a game, or those working in TO can make it down for a game .... and leave the weekend free for the family gatherings or trips to the cottage.

Then why are Blue Jays crowds twice as big on weekends compared to midweek?

[QBall]

We ArgoLifers sit on the Visitor's side intentionally. We make as much noise as possible, trting to drown out opposing team's calls, etc. We've had visiting teams complain, so we know we're doing our job.

Outstanding!

[Rich]

Then why are Blue Jays crowds twice as big on weekends compared to midweek?

Lots of old people from all over Southern Ontario make it an all-day outing in the big city. Including lots of fans from the Golden Horseshoe who aren't in Argos territory.

[Neely2005]

Updated my OP.

[Neely2005]

Updated the OP with today's attendance.

[gilthethrill]

Attended my first game of the year today. Maybe I am getting old, but I must admit I really am bothered by the blaring dance music that get played excessively between plays. I really don't enjoy that atmosphere for football. I remember going to games when I could carry on a conversation with the person next to me.

[ArgoGabe22]

Attended my first game of the year today. Maybe I am getting old, but I must admit I really am bothered by the blaring dance music that get played excessively between plays. I really don't enjoy that atmosphere for football. I remember going to games when I could carry on a conversation with the person next to me.

Couldn't agree more. This is one reason I much prefer to stay home.

[ArgoFan1]

The sound levels have been reduced quite a bit in the past year or so. It used to be totally unbearable there. You could never talk about a play that just happened as you would have to yell to be heard. While it is better, there is still just too much ot it. Most of it is not my type of music, but that is not the point. They cannot cater to everyone in that regard. All I really want is an entertaining game and tonight's win over Edmonton was that for sure !! Lots of scoring and right down tot he final half minute. I will enjoy going even if I am the only one in the stands. I don't need any bells and whistles. .... just my cowbell.
I just don't understand the number of people that say they are Argo fans, but never or rarely go to a game. There are only 9 dates per year to worry about. This is a gate driven league, so we should all be out every single game. We could lose this team if things don't start improving attendance-wise.

[Argo57]

Couldn't agree more. This is one reason I much prefer to stay home.

Home theatre and I suspect costs are the biggest hindrance to attendance these days.
Although CFL tickets are reasonably priced in comparison with other pro sports by the time you add in parking (or Go Train) dinner or the bloated (borderline criminal) concession prices it make for an expensive event. I'm sure many "average" folks simply can't justify such expense these days.
In an attempt to create some kind of atmosphere inside the stadium the Argonauts definitely overcompensate with endless yelling by the i house announcers (Landry and Strizzy)and loud crap music which has me longing for the old days when you could actually carry on a conversation (as gillthethrill also eluded to) as well as Fred Locking's play summary.

[Neely2005]

Attended my first game of the year today. Maybe I am getting old, but I must admit I really am bothered by the blaring dance music that get played excessively between plays. I really don't enjoy that atmosphere for football. I remember going to games when I could carry on a conversation with the person next to me.

Maybe it depends where you sit but I didn't have any problems carrying on a conversation.

Home theatre and I suspect costs are the biggest hindrance to attendance these days.
Although CFL tickets are reasonably priced in comparison with other pro sports by the time you add in parking (or Go Train) dinner or the bloated (borderline criminal) concession prices it make for an expensive event. I'm sure many "average" folks simply can't justify such expense these days.
In an attempt to create some kind of atmosphere inside the stadium the Argonauts definitely overcompensate with endless yelling by the i house announcers (Landry and Strizzy)and loud crap music which has me longing for the old days when you could actually carry on a conversation (as gillthethrill also eluded to) as well as Fred Locking's play summary.

I'd say that traffic and the hassle to get to and from a game is a big reason. It seems like every weekend there are road closures either for construction or a festival, marathon...

[flafson]

For me the cost/economy is the biggest factor.
The same reason why my family business is suffering is the same reason i don't go more.
BTW, it's really bad all across the GTA. For physical businesses at at least.