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.
It's us vs the rest of the country
TORONTO ARGONAUTS FOOTBALL CLUB
GREY CUP CHAMPIONS: 1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good for you guys.... you are definitely doing your job.
Updated my OP.
Updated the OP with today's attendance.
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.
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.
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.
Maybe it depends where you sit but I didn't have any problems carrying on a conversation.
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...
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.
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