2021 CFL and Argo Attendance

[jerrym]

Here are the numbers on CFL attendance by team, with concerning numbers (understandably because of Covid) for a number of teams, including, of course, the Argos.



2021 <abbr title="Canadian Football League" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-line: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-style: dotted; cursor: help; border-bottom-width: 0px;">CFL</abbr> Regular Season Team Attendance Summary



<tbody>


League Average
22,608.3
66.58%
N/A
22,608.3
66.58%
N/A


12,526.0 BC
45.55%
-10,082.3
23,126.3
74.08%
+518.0


24,297.0 Calgary
68.15%
+1,688.7
28,149.5
63.52%
+5,541.2


29,637.0 Edmonton
53.29%
+7,028.7
21,769.5
68.95%
-838.8


15,000.0 Hamilton
61.73%
-7,608.3
20,226.8
69.27%
-2,381.6


14,753.0 Montreal
62.97%
-7,855.3
20,438.3
52.89%
-2,170.0


15,000.0 Ottawa
60.84%
-7,608.3
23,804.3
61.32%
+1,196.0


30,490.0 Sask.
91.42%
+7,881.7
33,234.0
100.64%
+10,625.7


9,784.0 Toronto
36.24%
-12,824.3
20,354.7
65.68%
-2,253.6


26,889.8 Winnipeg
81.43%
+4,281.4
21,420.5
70.99%
-1,187.8

</tbody>




https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/

[Mocha]

Sadly, I think 10,000 is about what the Argos are going to attract for the foreseeable future. But I believe/hope we'll see the numbers increase in both BC and Montreal over the next few years with new ownership and better teams in place.

[ArgoGabe22]

I’m worried that Covid isn’t the definitive reason and that those numbers are here to stay.

[Topshelf]

TFC played in front of friends and family tonight. I think MLSE assumed there would be some huge demand for fans to return, and really missed the market.
Part of it is the media/govt has everyone so focused still on staying home. This season, fans wise, is a write off. Fo us on the on field product, figure out how to market the stars, maybe try some new concepts, then aim for 25k next year. Also, treat those that do show up this year a bit better. Show some appreciation.

[ArgoRavi]

We are still in the midst of this pandemic. I wouldn't read much into attendance figures this season. Having said that, I am actually surprised that the league average is this high.

[AngeloV]

We are still in the midst of this pandemic. I wouldn't read much into attendance figures this season. Having said that, I am actually surprised that the league average is this high.

You must have missed the news Ravi. The pandemic was declared over in the Prairies back in July.

[AngeloV]

TFC played in front of friends and family tonight.

With that team's payroll, MLSE must be losing a boat load of money on that entity this year.

[Antwon]

With that team's payroll, MLSE must be losing a boat load of money on that entity this year.
And they say there was 7,900 in attendance!

[AngeloV]

And they say there was 7,900 in attendance!

I think their payroll is $24M USD. With no major TV money coming in (3M per team) and most of your revenue coming in CAD, that is some big losses. If things don't change regarding either salaries or influx of revenue, that league will be in trouble once they tap out of expansion fee money.

[ArgoRavi]

I heard that the Jays had 12k last night so the Argos' attendance isn't exactly out of line right now with what other Toronto pro sports teams are getting.

[Shatto]

It is not unusual to read negative media reports about the future of the CFL and particularly the Argos. If I'm not mistaken, it has even been implied that MLSE might be tiring of losing money on the Argos. Yet, TFC, a far greater money losing enterprise, seems to escape the same type of speculation. With a player budget more than five times greater than the Argo's and dismally small Canadian TV numbers, the solid attendance figures for the team, has been their one financial bright spot. With the latest TFC attendance some two thousand under the Argo's latest game numbers, will we start to see similar speculation about the demise of TFC? (said with tongue in cheek)

Let me state I have been a soccer fan from the time, when I was a youngster, my father took me to Premier League games and I want to see TFC be successful. I realize there are hurdles to overcome, but it would be nice to see the future of the CFL and the Argos painted in a more positive light by the media, at least once in a while.

[Antwon]

It is not unusual to read negative media reports about the future of the CFL and particularly the Argos. If I'm not mistaken, it has even been implied that MLSE might be tiring of losing money on the Argos. Yet, TFC, a far greater money losing enterprise, seems to escape the same type of speculation. With a player budget more than five times greater than the Argo's and dismally small Canadian TV numbers, the solid attendance figures for the team, has been their one financial bright spot. With the latest TFC attendance some two thousand under the Argo's latest game numbers, will we start to see similar speculation about the demise of TFC? (said with tongue in cheek)


I recently read an article on MLS(Forbes I believe) that clearly explained MLS recent success has been inflated based on the high expansion fees they've been dividing up. Now that they've drained that well, the pressure is on the next US TV contract. If it's not significantly for more money, most teams will be losing significant amount of money.

[AngeloV]

I recently read an article on MLS(Forbes I believe) that clearly explained MLS recent success has been inflated based on the high expansion fees they've been dividing up. Now that they've drained that well, the pressure is on the next US TV contract. If it's not significantly for more money, most teams will be losing significant amount of money.

Exact point I was making. If the TV contract isn't for let's say 3 or 4 times what they got this time around, they league will have to significantly reduce players salaries, and the top players would then look to leave.

[ArgoGabe22]

9,866
9,702
7,758
6,788

Last four home games for the Argos.

[AngeloV]

9,866
9,702
7,758
6,788

Last four home games for the Argos.

I expected a really small crowd last night. Hopefully they can get about 10k or more for the BC game on Oct 30.

I still think that going forward, the Argos should look at playing Sunday afternoon home games up until Labour day yearly. TSN should have no problem with it as it won't cut into their NFL coverage before the NFL season starts.

[paulwoods13]

9,866
9,702
7,758
6,788

Last four home games for the Argos.

Obviously this is hugely concerning. The Lions are a terrible draw traditionally, as is Edmonton, which is also on a frickin' Tuesday evening. I think we need to see how much impact COVID has on Leafs and Raptors attendance before drawing any firm conclusions, but on the evidence to date, the struggle to make this team viable just keeps getting harder.

[Joe Barnes]

Obviously this is hugely concerning. The Lions are a terrible draw traditionally, as is Edmonton, which is also on a frickin' Tuesday evening. I think we need to see how much impact COVID has on Leafs and Raptors attendance before drawing any firm conclusions, but on the evidence to date, the struggle to make this team viable just keeps getting harder.

TFC has been drawing crowds of only 5 to 7 thousand lately, as well. Granted, they are having a terrible season, but they usually have crowds of at least 20 thousand. Up until Covid, the situation, as I understood it, was that while the Argos struggled to draw crowds to BMO, they had good TV numbers whereas TFC had terrible TV numbers but packed the place. Right now, the Argos are outdrawing TFC at the gate and, I assume, on TV as well, even with these paltry numbers! MLSE has to be concerned. You could blame these low numbers on fans hesitancy due to Covid, but the Jays had no issues drawing people during their recent run.

[paulwoods13]

I'm pretty confident MLSE is equally worried about Argo and TFC attendance. I think they will ride out the remainder of the seasons and compare against Leafs and Raptors before reaching hard conclusions. But there is one big difference that I think should worry all Argo fans -- TFC could, in theory, be sold for nine figures (i.e. $100M or more), a massive increase over what MLSE paid for it. That valuation might or might not be based on false assumptions about the long-term viability and growth potential of soccer in North America, but for the past decade or more this has been an upward curve. The Argos could not be sold for nine figures, or even eight, IMO; nor could they bring a big return on MLSE's investment in any sale. (Not that I see any potential buyers waiting in the wings.)

[OV Argo]

I'm pretty confident MLSE is equally worried about Argo and TFC attendance. I think they will ride out the remainder of the seasons and compare against Leafs and Raptors before reaching hard conclusions. But there is one big difference that I think should worry all Argo fans -- TFC could, in theory, be sold for nine figures (i.e. $100M or more), a massive increase over what MLSE paid for it. That valuation might or might not be based on false assumptions about the long-term viability and growth potential of soccer in North America, but for the past decade or more this has been an upward curve. The Argos could not be sold for nine figures, or even eight, IMO; nor could they bring a big return on MLSE's investment in any sale. (Not that I see any potential buyers waiting in the wings.)

Yeah, but; did anybody see that guy who bought the BC Lions waiting in the wings ? Is he some sort of fool for buying a team with weak attendance and fan interest in the huge BC market ?

[ArgoRavi]

What has the marketing been like for the Argos this year in Toronto? Have there been any notable improvements from past years?

[Treblecharger1]

The biggest issue for most leagues this year has been the lack of group sales along with a wack schedule.It's next impossible to do group sales with the restrictions that are in place. Group Sales and Season ticket sales is the biggest way to get guaranteed butts into seats these days. I don't think MLSE will pull the plug but I do think the league is going to have to consider reworking the TV deal to give rogers a piece of the buy in order to keep that side of ownership happy.

[Mightygoose]

I think too much context is missing when comparing attendance this year to any in recent history.

Both Argos and TFC report based on scanned so capacity restrictions and fully vaxxed only will impact these figures. Notice the last 2 games were the first 2 since that policy went into affect, plus many people ready to come back to large events. Mid week yesterday didn't help...it was actually a bigger crowd than I was expecting....granted I'm setting the bar low this year

TFC hasn't cleared 10K this season either.

[jerrym]

The latest attendance numbers for the CFL. BC is virtually the same average as a month ago although low, Calgary roughly the same, Edmonton down 1,000, Hamilton up a 1,000 because of increased Covid limits, Montreal roughly the same, Ottawa down 3,000+ which a worrying sign for a franchise that was quite healthy for several years but now has a poor on-field product, Saskatchewan down a roughly 1,000 but from the highest average, Toronto down a 1,000, Winnipeg unchanged.

2021 <abbr title="Canadian Football League" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-line: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-style: dotted; cursor: help; border-bottom-width: 0px;">CFL</abbr> Regular Season Team Attendance Summary



<tbody>


League Average
19,952.5
61.48%
N/A
19,952.5
61.48%
N/A


12,513.0 BC
45.50%
-7,439.5
20,742.5
70.86%
+790.0


24,540.8 Calgary
68.84%
+4,588.3
23,766.3
63.13%
+3,813.8


28,055.3 Edmonton
50.45%
+8,102.8
18,549.0
63.37%
-1,403.5


16,000.0 Hamilton
65.84%
-3,952.5
17,259.8
61.01%
-2,692.7


14,172.0 Montreal
60.49%
-5,780.5
17,414.6
52.07%
-2,537.9


11,875.0 Ottawa
48.16%
-8,077.5
19,550.3
54.51%
-402.2


29,568.6 Sask.
88.66%
+9,616.1
23,750.0
74.09%
+3,797.5


8,528.5 Toronto
31.59%
-11,424.0
21,736.8
68.83%
+1,784.3


26,889.8 Win.
81.43%
+6,937.3
19,662.8
54.82%
-289.7

</tbody>




https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/

[Will]

Not much we can do about it right now so I'm not going to be concerned about this (for this season).

[ArgoRavi]

The latest attendance numbers for the CFL. BC is virtually the same average as a month ago although low, Calgary roughly the same, Edmonton down 1,000, Hamilton up a 1,000 because of increased Covid limits, Montreal roughly the same, Ottawa down 3,000+ which a worrying sign for a franchise that was quite healthy for several years but now has a poor on-field product, Saskatchewan down a roughly 1,000 but from the highest average, Toronto down a 1,000, Winnipeg unchanged.

2021 <abbr title="Canadian Football League" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-line: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-style: dotted; cursor: help; border-bottom-width: 0px;">CFL</abbr> Regular Season Team Attendance Summary



<tbody>


League Average
19,952.5
61.48%
N/A
19,952.5
61.48%
N/A


12,513.0 BC
45.50%
-7,439.5
20,742.5
70.86%
+790.0


24,540.8 Calgary
68.84%
+4,588.3
23,766.3
63.13%
+3,813.8


28,055.3 Edmonton
50.45%
+8,102.8
18,549.0
63.37%
-1,403.5


16,000.0 Hamilton
65.84%
-3,952.5
17,259.8
61.01%
-2,692.7


14,172.0 Montreal
60.49%
-5,780.5
17,414.6
52.07%
-2,537.9


11,875.0 Ottawa
48.16%
-8,077.5
19,550.3
54.51%
-402.2


29,568.6 Sask.
88.66%
+9,616.1
23,750.0
74.09%
+3,797.5


8,528.5 Toronto
31.59%
-11,424.0
21,736.8
68.83%
+1,784.3


26,889.8 Win.
81.43%
+6,937.3
19,662.8
54.82%
-289.7

</tbody>




https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/





I wouldn't be worried about Ottawa at all. They have 12k season ticket holders but reported 5k to a game at home against Hamilton that was played in miserable weather conditions on a Wednesday night.

Also, the day after that game, fans flooded the airwaves with worries about the Redblacks' QB situation so there is no shortage of interest there.

[Mightygoose]

Not much we can do about it right now so I'm not going to be concerned about this (for this season).

This is the way I feel too. This year was always going to be bad for attendance and it has been for other sports too.

No one should worry about the state of affairs that no one has control over. Will watch the rest of this season, follow the off season and need to be open minded to whatever happens.

[ArgoZ]

I have a pair of tickets and couldn’t make the Wednesday night game. I also have family that are scared to attend any sports event at the moment. These are more excuses, but compound that by our already less than desirable attendance at the best of times and this is what you get. As mentioned, TFC is drawing less flies (they’re terrible I know).

[AngeloV]

One of my tickets wasn't used as my brother had work commitments. If they are only counting scanned tickets, then the paid attendance may be similar for all games this season, but actual butts in seats going down. I think the Oct 30 game being Saturday at 4pm will be a good indication of where we stand. I think it will be on par with the first 2 games. Not where we want to be, but agree with Will, that MLSE isn't doing anything this year to attract more fans, knowing that the attendance is not going to change. Probably doesn't want to invest in resources for minimal or no gain.

[ArgoZ]

Many keep mentioning 40 years of neglect, however, life was good (at least on the outside) 10 or so years ago during the C and S era. 26 000 was the norm with some 30 000+ crowds, sometimes more for playoffs. What did they do so right? I know there was freebies, but not 20 000 to bring us where we are today. The Argos were definitely more in the spotlight then. Numerous players and the Owner appeared on TSN’s Off the Record show weekly. Bob McCowan talked and had Argos on all the time on the evil 590! It seemed the owners made friends with everyone in the media by treating them to legendary parties. Maybe to also push their own business agenda’s but it seemed to work, no?

[AngeloV]

Many keep mentioning 40 years of neglect, however, life was good (at least on the outside) 10 or so years ago during the C and S era. 26 000 was the norm with some 30 000+ crowds, sometimes more for playoffs. What did they do so right? I know there was freebies, but not 20 000 to bring us where we are today. The Argos were definitely more in the spotlight then. Numerous players and the Owner appeared on TSN’s Off the Record show weekly. Bob McCowan talked and had Argos on all the time on the evil 590! It seemed the owners made friends with everyone in the media by treating them to legendary parties. Maybe to also push their own business agenda’s but it seemed to work, no?

100%

And freebies isn't the worst idea in the world. At the end of the day, you are still selling food and drink and possibly even Argos merch to these people. Seems to me, it would still result in a better bottom line especially with the profit margin that place has on food and drink. It might also help build your base for the future if many of the freebies go to a younger generation.

[Mightygoose]

One of my tickets wasn't used as my brother had work commitments. If they are only counting scanned tickets, then the paid attendance may be similar for all games this season, but actual butts in seats going down. I think the Oct 30 game being Saturday at 4pm will be a good indication of where we stand. I think it will be on par with the first 2 games. Not where we want to be, but agree with Will, that MLSE isn't doing anything this year to attract more fans, knowing that the attendance is not going to change. Probably doesn't want to invest in resources for minimal or no gain.

We couldn't make Wednesday's game either due to other commitments. So that's 3 more not added to the attendance count. Never mind those who don't feel comfortable or ineligible to attend.

Something that's not mentioned much is the capacity restrictions is 30K and 75% which ever is lower. Since the Argos don't sell the upper east side, 75% with social distancing puts their selling capacity around 12K. Scanned is usually a few thousand below sold and distributed so I wouldn't be surprised for the 1st two games, we were close to a 'sellout'.

As strange as this will sound, the Argos don't have much inventory they're allowed to sell right now hence as you say putting in more resources won't pay off too much. Hence MLSE's biggest push was this past Wednesday which is the hardest sell on the schedule....the Tuesday game vs. the Elks will be similar.

[ArgoRavi]

We couldn't make Wednesday's game either due to other commitments. So that's 3 more not added to the attendance count. Never mind those who don't feel comfortable or ineligible to attend.

Something that's not mentioned much is the capacity restrictions is 30K and 75% which ever is lower. Since the Argos don't sell the upper east side, 75% with social distancing puts their selling capacity around 12K. Scanned is usually a few thousand below sold and distributed so I wouldn't be surprised for the 1st two games, we were close to a 'sellout'.

As strange as this will sound, the Argos don't have much inventory they're allowed to sell right now hence as you say putting in more resources won't pay off too much. Hence MLSE's biggest push was this past Wednesday which is the hardest sell on the schedule....the Tuesday game vs. the Elks will be similar.

This all makes sense. Why is the media not reporting this though? Instead, they keep focusing on the "low" attendance figures for the Argos. They never say a word about the lower TFC numbers though.

[Mightygoose]

This all makes sense. Why is the media not reporting this though? Instead, they keep focusing on the "low" attendance figures for the Argos. They never say a word about the lower TFC numbers though.

Yup, it's a sad double standard the Argos have to deal with. Semi off topic, Howard Berger posted a panic piece based on the low crowd (won't post it here but look it up on the CFL News Twitter feed). He completely ignores TFC who are doing worse...says they would fill up BMO if it wasn't for the restrictions, yet are these same restrictions not pushing the Argos number down?

[argos1873]

Soccer is part of "woke culture", believe it or not. MLSE is willing to lose a fortune on TFC. They would not be so willing for the Argos.

[Mocha]

Soccer is part of "woke culture", believe it or not. MLSE is willing to lose a fortune on TFC. They would not be so willing for the Argos.

Well, over the past ten years, the value of MLS franchises has increased so much that losing a few million per year on operating costs wasn't a big deal. Let's see what happens over the next ten years.

As for the Argos, I hope they at least try something to A. get more fans out period, and B. get more of the fans that do show up to sit in the East side seats so the people watching on TV can see that there are indeed some fans there having a good time.

[Rich]

Soccer is part of "woke culture", believe it or not. MLSE is willing to lose a fortune on TFC. They would not be so willing for the Argos.

Yeah screw all those woke people and their fight for human dignity. Dignity, shmignity. And now they’re gonna kill the Argos too? Is nothing sacred?

[Will]

The Argonauts must keep some sort of database of former season ticket holders and single-game ticket purchasers.

Are there follow ups done with these individuals?

[Wobbler]

Soccer is part of "woke culture", believe it or not.
I'm going to go with "not" on that one.

[AngeloV]

The Argonauts must keep some sort of database of former season ticket holders and single-game ticket purchasers.

Are there follow ups done with these individuals?

That’s asking a lot of the 2 ticket reps they have. Hopefully they will do this when things look better regarding the pandemic and they bring back some bodies from the staff they let go. Let’s face it, Argos are being run bare bones in the back office right now.

[RB957]

The Argonauts must keep some sort of database of former season ticket holders and single-game ticket purchasers.

Are there follow ups done with these individuals?


That’s asking a lot of the 2 ticket reps they have. Hopefully they will do this when things look better regarding the pandemic and they bring back some bodies from the staff they let go. Let’s face it, Argos are being run bare bones in the back office right now.

My son's friend worked at MLSE and said they tried to interest season's ticket holders for Leafs/Raptors into purchasing Argos tickets, with very little success. I agree with Will that they should be trying to mine the data they have on ticket buyers but to Angelo's point, it is very difficult with limited staff. Bottom line, you have to spend on marketing and I am not sure how committed MLSE is. For me, the focus should be trying to attract people based on the value proposition... where else can you watch high quality live professional sports for less than $50 per ticket AND get $5 beer? Nowhere. And the weird thing is, we have brought numerous people out, including my son's friends who are in the 25 - 30 year demographic, and every single one of them have said they had a great time... BUT they don't take the initiative or have the interest to come back on their own. This I cannot understand. In a region our size, it has to be possible to attract 20,000 people to become Argo "nutcases".

The Argos will never be able to compete with the Leafs, Jays and Raptors which are considered to be the "elite" sports teams. But TFC was able to attract a very passionate and loyal following for its team. Argos have to figure out how to do the same. Look at Ottawa, where the RedBlacks have managed to attract interest in younger people to come out to games. No reason we can't try to copy things that have worked elsewhere. It will take effort and money, which I hope MLSE is willing to commit. And sad thing, having bought tickets to see the Argos in both Montreal and Ottawa, I get way more emails from them then I ever get from the Argos. And that's not right.

In the long-term, assuming MLSE has the willingness to stay in, the economics have to favour the Argos over TFC. TFC's biggest expense is in $U.S. and their salary budget is over 5x what the Argos is but their TV viewership is brutal. As others have said, now that expansion fees are drying up, reality will sink in regarding that league's economics. I don't think it is a lost cause for the Argos, but while the ship hasn't sunk, it is taking on water.

Now that the Ontario government has lifted seat restrictions at sports venues, we may get a glimpse as to how things really are.

[paulwoods13]

In the long-term, assuming MLSE has the willingness to stay in, the economics have to favour the Argos over TFC. TFC's biggest expense is in $U.S. and their salary budget is over 5x what the Argos is but their TV viewership is brutal. As others have said, now that expansion fees are drying up, reality will sink in regarding that league's economics.

People have been saying that for a long time. Last I heard, TFC was valued (by Forbes, I think it was) at $650M. It cost MLSE $10M for the franchise. Perhaps the MLS bubble will burst one of these days, but in view of how much bigger international soccer seems to be getting every year in North America, I'm not counting on that.

[OV Argo]

Soccer is part of "woke culture", believe it or not. MLSE is willing to lose a fortune on TFC. They would not be so willing for the Argos.


Soccer is a historic sport for a lot of new Canadians (immigrants); and is also trendy amongst all the trend-mongers and wannabes out there.

OTOH - Canadian football is a historic national sport - game invented and played (at many levels) in Canada for over 100 years. There are 3 pro Canadian football teams in Ontario and 11 OUA teams and a Junior football league as well; somebody should add up the combined weekend attendance for those 3 leagues when they all host games and put it out there for soccer snobs to try to grasp that a large number of people like and attend Canadian football games. The CFL's TV #s blow-away soccer TV#s; sorry bout that though.

MLSE types don't get the latter concept and have no clue how to market both the Argos and Canadian football. Somebody else might; and it would help to have CFL leadership and U Sports leaders on board to help in marketing the game (i.e. not that clown Ambrosie).

[ArgoRavi]

People have been saying that for a long time. Last I heard, TFC was valued (by Forbes, I think it was) at $650M. It cost MLSE $10M for the franchise. Perhaps the MLS bubble will burst one of these days, but in view of how much bigger international soccer seems to be getting every year in North America, I'm not counting on that.

The MLS is bearing more and more of a resemblance to the NASL all the time in regards to their over-expansion.

I am a little skeptical about the Forbes valuations but it would be interesting to see how much TFC could fetch on the open market. I suspect the franchise has more value in the US than in Canada though.

[AngeloV]

The MLS is bearing more and more of a resemblance to the NASL all the time in regards to their over-expansion.

I am a little skeptical about the Forbes valuations but it would be interesting to see how much TFC could fetch on the open market. I suspect the franchise has more value in the US than in Canada though.


I’m skeptical too. Forbes, values the Leafs, a licence to print money, at 1.5B. There is no way TFC should be valued anywhere near 40% of what the Leafs are valued at. Forbes obviously is taking expansion fee sharing into account. When that’s gone will the value go down? I suspect it will big time

[matthew]

Yeah, but; did anybody see that guy who bought the BC Lions waiting in the wings ? Is he some sort of fool for buying a team with weak attendance and fan interest in the huge BC market ?

No he is not a fool he cares about the CFL which many of us on this site have said is what we need. Thank god for people like him, Bob and the consortium in Calgary that keep this all alive. We’d be blessed to have an owner that cares.

[Bill G]

The Argonauts must keep some sort of database of former season ticket holders and single-game ticket purchasers.

Are there follow ups done with these individuals?

Can confirm that they used to ... After going to the season opener in 2017 I got called by the Argos to buy season tickets before the 2018 season. Happy to report I did get season tix that season (and for the next two).

[DanTheFan]

Can confirm that they used to ... After going to the season opener in 2017 I got called by the Argos to buy season tickets before the 2018 season. Happy to report I did get season tix that season (and for the next two).

Now that you bring that up, I remember the same thing happened to me. I think it was the year after that after they gave the replica rings away. Hoping they crank up the push from the ticket office with more hires after having read about tons of difficulty people have been having contacting sales reps. I really appreciated being reached out to, but held out on getting seasons until this year.

[ArgoGabe22]

Hamilton’s attendance has been slowly increasing over time. Roughly 15k, 15k, 18k, 21k within their last home games. Seems like Sept 22 hasn’t affected their numbers much.

[argolio]

it would help to have CFL leadership and U Sports leaders on board to help in marketing the game (i.e. not that clown Ambrosie).Marketing help from CIAU/CIS/U Sports people who have spent the last 50 years systematically destroying Canadian university football's national exposure? No thanks.

[Will]

I am not really going to laud a crowd of 9,088 but it was more than I was expecting given the weather.

[ArgoGabe22]

Looked less on TV tbh. Chris Creamer from sports logos dot net said it was a loud crowd.

[Shatto]

Recently the Argos have been close to doubling the TFC stadium attendance. Considering the Argo TV numbers absolutely dwarf the TFC TV audience, why don't we hear more about this in the media? With the TFC salary for 2021, over four times the Argo salary for 2021, why is there no discussion about how long MLSE might be willing to take these losses. I enjoy soccer and wish TFC every success but it astounds me that the media has not highlighted the situation, as they seem be quick to point out the problems facing the Argos.

[Wobbler]

2021 average home attendance will be the lowest in the last hundred years (https://stats.cfldb.ca/team/toronto-argonauts/attendance/).

Yes, COVID-19, but TFC isn't the problem.

[Will]

Recently the Argos have been close to doubling the TFC stadium attendance. Considering the Argo TV numbers absolutely dwarf the TFC TV audience, why don't we hear more about this in the media? With the TFC salary for 2021, over four times the Argo salary for 2021, why is there no discussion about how long MLSE might be willing to take these losses. I enjoy soccer and wish TFC every success but it astounds me that the media has not highlighted the situation, as they seem be quick to point out the problems facing the Argos.

Maybe the pundits believe that TFC will rebound next year? Although I don't see that likely if the team doesn't improve.

[AngeloV]

Recently the Argos have been close to doubling the TFC stadium attendance. Considering the Argo TV numbers absolutely dwarf the TFC TV audience, why don't we hear more about this in the media? With the TFC salary for 2021, over four times the Argo salary for 2021, why is there no discussion about how long MLSE might be willing to take these losses. I enjoy soccer and wish TFC every success but it astounds me that the media has not highlighted the situation, as they seem be quick to point out the problems facing the Argos.

Not going to lie, I am shocked that TFC is drawing such small crowds, even with COVID and a team that has been terrible. The reason it isn't as big a deal as the Argos though, is because Argos attendance has been trending down for years. With TFC, it might be a one off. Once it becomes a trend, that's when the panic sets in.

[Shatto]

The issue is not TFC, rather I was attempting to contrast how the media appears to treat the Argos as compared to other sports organizations, TFC in particular, since the two teams share so many common features.

Perhaps my perception that the media is somewhat uncaring and somewhat negative to the team is wrong. Nevertheless it is my perception.

[1971GreyCup]

Recently the Argos have been close to doubling the TFC stadium attendance. Considering the Argo TV numbers absolutely dwarf the TFC TV audience, why don't we hear more about this in the media? With the TFC salary for 2021, over four times the Argo salary for 2021, why is there no discussion about how long MLSE might be willing to take these losses. I enjoy soccer and wish TFC every success but it astounds me that the media has not highlighted the situation, as they seem be quick to point out the problems facing the Argos.

https://www.sounderatheart.com/2021/7/15/22579233/seattle-sounders-valuation

The current franchise value applied to TFC is $650 million. MLSE was always in it for the potential wealth creating opportunity from a North American version of the English Premiership League. And so far they aren’t wrong. 🤷🏻*♂️

[Will]

The issue is not TFC, rather I was attempting to contrast how the media appears to treat the Argos as compared to other sports organizations, TFC in particular, since the two teams share so many common features.

Perhaps my perception that the media is somewhat uncaring and somewhat negative to the team is wrong. Nevertheless it is my perception.

I've seen TFC fans lament about the coverage their team gets within the media as well. I'm not specifically looking out for it, so I'm not in a position to judge their assertion though.

[argolio]

The issue is not TFC, rather I was attempting to contrast how the media appears to treat the Argos as compared to other sports organizations, TFC in particular, since the two teams share so many common features.

Perhaps my perception that the media is somewhat uncaring and somewhat negative to the team is wrong. Nevertheless it is my perception.Probably a carryover of TFC being a "thing" in this town more recently than the Argos.

Ironically, I think the success of the men's national team is hurting TFC.


https://www.sounderatheart.com/2021/7/15/22579233/seattle-sounders-valuation

The current franchise value applied to TFC is $650 million. MLSE was always in it for the potential wealth creating opportunity from a North American version of the English Premiership League. And so far they aren’t wrong. 🤷🏻*♂️Nobody believes TFC would sell for anything close to that on the open market.

[OV Argo]

The issue is not TFC, rather I was attempting to contrast how the media appears to treat the Argos as compared to other sports organizations, TFC in particular, since the two teams share so many common features.

Perhaps my perception that the media is somewhat uncaring and somewhat negative to the team is wrong. Nevertheless it is my perception.

No ! Your are bang-on there IMO.

And this factor is vastly under-estimated or not understood by many; not only what the Argos are up against in the GTA, but what the CFL faces all over ... in it's own gawd damn country; and been going on for decades now.

I guess the heavy-weight sports experts and marketing gurus at MLSE have no clue though; just throw their hands up in the air and say nothing we can do ?

[1971GreyCup]

Probably a carryover of TFC being a "thing" in this town more recently than the Argos.

Ironically, I think the success of the men's national team is hurting TFC.

Nobody believes TFC would sell for anything close to that on the open market.

No question about it. But they have been the beneficiary of large expansion franchise fees. No one would suggest that their franchise value would be near $20m either. However unlikely, there is a potential for massive profits for a successful MLS. The bean counters seem to be banking on it.

It seems to be prestigious enough to put the logo up there with the Maple Leafs, Marlies and Raptors.

[Neely2005]

My son's friend worked at MLSE and said they tried to interest season's ticket holders for Leafs/Raptors into purchasing Argos tickets, with very little success. I agree with Will that they should be trying to mine the data they have on ticket buyers but to Angelo's point, it is very difficult with limited staff. Bottom line, you have to spend on marketing and I am not sure how committed MLSE is. For me, the focus should be trying to attract people based on the value proposition... where else can you watch high quality live professional sports for less than $50 per ticket AND get $5 beer? Nowhere. And the weird thing is, we have brought numerous people out, including my son's friends who are in the 25 - 30 year demographic, and every single one of them have said they had a great time... BUT they don't take the initiative or have the interest to come back on their own. This I cannot understand. In a region our size, it has to be possible to attract 20,000 people to become Argo "nutcases".

The Argos will never be able to compete with the Leafs, Jays and Raptors which are considered to be the "elite" sports teams. But TFC was able to attract a very passionate and loyal following for its team. Argos have to figure out how to do the same. Look at Ottawa, where the RedBlacks have managed to attract interest in younger people to come out to games. No reason we can't try to copy things that have worked elsewhere. It will take effort and money, which I hope MLSE is willing to commit. And sad thing, having bought tickets to see the Argos in both Montreal and Ottawa, I get way more emails from them then I ever get from the Argos. And that's not right.

In the long-term, assuming MLSE has the willingness to stay in, the economics have to favour the Argos over TFC. TFC's biggest expense is in $U.S. and their salary budget is over 5x what the Argos is but their TV viewership is brutal. As others have said, now that expansion fees are drying up, reality will sink in regarding that league's economics. I don't think it is a lost cause for the Argos, but while the ship hasn't sunk, it is taking on water.

Now that the Ontario government has lifted seat restrictions at sports venues, we may get a glimpse as to how things really are.

One thing to remember is that TFC plays more games so that gives them more opportunities to sell tickets and concessions.

[Shatto]

The future success of MLS and TFC will depend upon the league signing a rich TV contract for 2022 on. In 2020 the league was reported to have lost 1B, with only 7 teams making any profit and then only marginally. That was in spite the money coming from expansion fees, which can't go on forever.. The new TV contract is a make or break situation for the league.

[AngeloV]

The future success of MLS and TFC will depend upon the league signing a rich TV contract for 2022 on. In 2020 the league was reported to have lost 1B, with only 7 teams making any profit and then only marginally. That was in spite the money coming from expansion fees, which can't go on forever.. The new TV contract is a make or break situation for the league.

ESPN has the national contract for MLS in the US. Since the start of COVID, working from home, I watch ESPN all day on my IPTV service. I never hear MLS talk on the network with the exception of a mention for an upcoming broadcast. That doesn’t bode well for hopes of a huge TV deal.

[ArgoRavi]

ESPN has the national contract for MLS in the US. Since the start of COVID, working from home, I watch ESPN all day on my IPTV service. I never hear MLS talk on the network with the exception of a mention for an upcoming broadcast. That doesn’t bode well for hopes of a huge TV deal.

We know in Canada that MLS ratings are miniscule. I suspect it's not much different south of the border.

[Joe Barnes]

TFC drew around 11,500 for their last game of the season yesterday at BMO. Considering the beautiful weather, I would have expected a bigger crowd. When I flipped over and watched a bit of the game on TSN, there were fans sitting in the upper East side, so the stadium was open to full capacity. Does MLSE open things up a bit for the Argos/Ticats this Friday? Considering it is the biggest game of the season (and Hamilton fans travel), I would think this game could draw at least 15,000, but BMO is currently capped at 12,000, if I recall. The full stadium might not be necessary (though that would be great, if there was demand!!), but at least the 18,000 capacity they used in 2018 and '19. Surely MLSE wouldn't turn people away if ticket sales approached 12,000 by mid-week?

[ArgoRavi]

What a great interview with the new owner of the BC Lions: https://www.sportsnet.ca/650/halford-brough-morning/amar-doman-b-c-lions-legacy-brand-reaching-younger-audience/

Surely, MLSE can do at least some of the things Doman is talking about.

[Scooter McCray]

I don't think Bill Manning is a bad guy, but I don't think he should have the huge responsibility of running 2 teams in the MLSE universe. It's too much. Let Pinball become President. He knows what needs to be done and has the passion to make the Argos relevant again in Toronto. Make John Murphy the GM, he already is doing most of the heavy lifting in player personnel.

[AngeloV]

I don't think Bill Manning is a bad guy, but I don't think he should have the huge responsibility of running 2 teams in the MLSE universe. It's too much. Let Pinball become President. He knows what needs to be done and has the passion to make the Argos relevant again in Toronto. Make John Murphy the GM, he already is doing most of the heavy lifting in player personnel.

At the time of the restructuring, I felt Pinball basically would be the Argos president without the title. It's obvious Murphy is handling all the real GM duties. The only question is how much power does Pinball have as in his role? Pretty sure he has to run everything through Manning in that regard. It would be great if they made him the official president of the team, but would they give him the same power that Shanahan, Ujiri and Manning have running the Leafs, Raptors and that soccer team?

[Shatto]

I don't think Bill Manning is a bad guy, but I don't think he should have the huge responsibility of running 2 teams in the MLSE universe. It's too much. Let Pinball become President. He knows what needs to be done and has the passion to make the Argos relevant again in Toronto. Make John Murphy the GM, he already is doing most of the heavy lifting in player personnel.

Couldn't agree more. We need a full time president who has one and only one role and that being the advocacy of the Argos in every single matter. Manning has always struck me a a TFC president first and foremost and Argos always appear to be an afterthought. That may be untrue but it certainly my perception. Pinball has the personality, experience, drive and public recognition needed.
Making him president of the Argos would be an excellent move an would be well received by Argo fans and the general public. However, it is too sensible a move for MLSE, I expect.

[ArgoGabe22]

After reading about the ‘91 Grey Cup and I know it’s been discussed with the Jays (cheap beer nights) but I wonder if a “university” section would have any kind of bump in attendance.

[Argos4Life]

I was just looking on Ticketmaster and there doesn’t seem to be many seats left at all. Hopefully demand will make them open up the entire stadium. Ticketmaster usually isn’t very accurate but hopefully this time it is.

[RB957]

What a great interview with the new owner of the BC Lions: https://www.sportsnet.ca/650/halford-brough-morning/amar-doman-b-c-lions-legacy-brand-reaching-younger-audience/

Surely, MLSE can do at least some of the things Doman is talking about.

I listened to the interview. Doman sounds very passionate and committed, but some of the things he talked about.... tailgating, cheep beer have been tried here and didn't work. I hope he has better success.

Steve Simmon's column in Toronto Sun today deals with this whole issue... the fact that in Toronto, besides the die-hard fans, nobody seems to care about the Argos. He seems to hit the nail on the head, but it is a depressing read.

SIMMONS: The Argonauts can clinch first place in the East on Friday. But does anyone care? | Toronto Sun (https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/simmons-the-argonauts-can-clinch-first-place-in-the-east-on-friday-but-does-anyone-care)

[AngeloV]

I listened to the interview. Doman sounds very passionate and committed, but some of the things he talked about.... tailgating, cheep beer have been tried here and didn't work. I hope he has better success.

Steve Simmon's column in Toronto Sun today deals with this whole issue... the fact that in Toronto, besides the die-hard fans, nobody seems to care about the Argos. He seems to hit the nail on the head, but it is a depressing read.

SIMMONS: The Argonauts can clinch first place in the East on Friday. But does anyone care? | Toronto Sun (https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/simmons-the-argonauts-can-clinch-first-place-in-the-east-on-friday-but-does-anyone-care)

He says what many of us have said for a while. I was on twitter tonight, and compared MLSE ownership of the Argos to Mama Carlson's ownership of WKRP in Cincinnati. When Johnny questioned her desire to change to an all news format guaranteeing a money loser for the next 2 years, she said it's not the plus and minus that matters, it's the plus and plus if the minuses are played correctly. It was suggesting that her overall business portfolio was needing to have a money loser in it (assuming for write off purposes). Maybe MLSE is losing money on the Argos on purpose?

[Shatto]

The Simmon's article highlights the pitiful job MLSE is doing with the Argos. He talks about "no promotion, little advertising, little selling of the game" "Times it seems MLSE is pushing Argos to some kind of extinction" And to me most telling--"Manning pays little attention to the Argos"

This team needs a face for the organization and that face should be the president. It wouldn't cost MLSE any extra money to move Pinball to president and Murphy to GM and those moves would signal MLSE is serious about the Argos. That assumes, however, MLSE is serious about the Argos.

[Argo57]

He says what many of us have said for a while. I was on twitter tonight, and compared MLSE ownership of the Argos to Mama Carlson's ownership of WKRP in Cincinnati. When Johnny questioned her desire to change to an all news format guaranteeing a money loser for the next 2 years, she said it's not the plus and minus that matters, it's the plus and plus if the minuses are played correctly. It was suggesting that her overall business portfolio was needing to have a money loser in it (assuming for write off purposes). Maybe MLSE is losing money on the Argos on purpose?

I’m looking forward to the Turkey Drop tomorrow night, I just hope they can fly.
In truth Simmons is spot on with his article, the Argonauts are a pimple on an elephants ass in the world of MLSE and are treated as such.
You wonder how long they have left if things don’t change, apathy is their worst enemy at this point which doesn’t bode well for their future.
Pretty depressing is right!

[SkalbaniasGhost]

You wonder how long they have left if things don’t change, apathy is their worst enemy at this point which doesn’t bode well for their future.
Pretty depressing is right!
MLSE has all the time in the world.The Argos(along with the CFL) serve a purpose.2022 will reveal all the answers of how much more usefulness they serve.

[AngeloV]

I’m looking forward to the Turkey Drop tomorrow night, I just hope they can fly.
In truth Simmons is spot on with his article, the Argonauts are a pimple on an elephants ass in the world of MLSE and are treated as such.
You wonder how long they have left if things don’t change, apathy is their worst enemy at this point which doesn’t bode well for their future.
Pretty depressing is right!

Of course if my theory of them needing a money loser in the business portfolio is true, then we have nothing to worry about. They will continue to foot the bills for the Argos but we shouldn't expect any real effort on their end to make it the place to be.

[ArgoGabe22]

Ticketmaster shows no seats are available, but I find that hard to believe.

[Argo57]

Ticketmaster shows no seats are available, but I find that hard to believe.

I purchased an extra ticket from the Argos at 4:00pm.

[Argo57]

Of course if my theory of them needing a money loser in the business portfolio is true, then we have nothing to worry about. They will continue to foot the bills for the Argos but we shouldn't expect any real effort on their end to make it the place to be.

Which unfortunately means they will sink further into the abyss.

[Antwon]

Why are they capping Fridays game at 12,000? Does MLSE just not want to pay more staff if they sell more tickets? They're not capping Leafs or Raptors!

[Shatto]

Is the game capped at 12,000? Unless I'm mistaken didn't a recent Canadian National soccer game have far more than that in the stands? Are both TFC and Argos capped or is it only the Argos? Can anyone elucidate please.

[AngeloV]

Ticketmaster shows no seats are available, but I find that hard to believe.

they released more seats after this. None of this makes sense to me.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For those still looking to get tickets to see the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argos</a> vs the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ticats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ticats</a> tomorrow, it looks like more are now available on the Ticketmaster site. There was nothing in these sections earlier today, so maybe the socially distance sections were opened up due to demand. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/gG5I4LUhmt">pic.twitter.com/gG5I4LUhmt</a></p>&mdash; Xs and Argos (@XsAndArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/XsAndArgos/status/1458867983330287621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ArgoGabe22]

The Reddit guys are going bonkers thinking this is a sellout and they decided to open up to full legal capacity. The Reddit guys are the worst.

[Joe Barnes]

The Reddit guys are going bonkers thinking this is a sellout and they decided to open up to full legal capacity. The Reddit guys are the worst.

I can't imagine they would have opened the Upper Deck on the East side, but maybe the rest of the stadium, and not socially distanced. If full, that would give us a crowd of about 18,000. That would be fantastic!

[Mightygoose]

They're opening up sections on the west side by removing the social distancing requirements. If you hover over the TM map in those sections they no longer have the 'white dots' like they do in the endzone, east side and most of the upper west.

It's a sign of strong(er) demand for tonight's game.

[Joe Barnes]

They're opening up sections on the west side by removing the social distancing requirements. If you hover over the TM map in those sections they no longer have the 'white dots' like they do in the endzone, east side and most of the upper west.

It's a sign of strong(er) demand for tonight's game.

They should put all of today's sales on the lower East side, so it looks better on TV...

[Mocha]

They should put all of today's sales on the lower East side, so it looks better on TV...

Totally agreed. Right now, lower east side stands show just 2 tickets available, with loads open on the west side, both lower and upper. That'd be great if the lower east side is truly sold out rather than having seats unavailable for social distancing.

Going forward, I hope the Argos prioritize getting as many fans as possible into the east stands. They have nine 3-hour ads for the in-game experience at BMO, yet most of the fans who are there enjoying themselves are nowhere to be seen during those ads. I'd guess that somewhere around 70-75% of fans at games the past two seasons were in the west side, while the other 25-30% were in the endzone and east side. The team should try to reverse that ratio.

[AngeloV]

Looks like they have lowered prices on some of these available tickets too. When I scroll over a section on map, Sections 225 and 226 are listed as $28.50 which is the same as 227. 227 is usually lower in price than those 2 sections. Same for 220 and 221 in the north west corner. That is a great price for those sections.

[Scooter McCray]

Looks like they have lowered prices on some of these available tickets too. When I scroll over a section on map, Sections 225 and 226 are listed as $28.50 which is the same as 227. 227 is usually lower in price than those 2 sections. Same for 220 and 221 in the north west corner. That is a great price for those sections.
When you look at the Ticketmaster map you see the sections with most seats available are the Best Seats near the 55 yd. line. The prices are too high; over $100 per seat. MLSE have not done anything to create value for that price amongst the general population. There aren't enough hardcore fans, who also have the means, to pay that. I really hope MLSE in the offseason put some type of business plan together for the football team.

[paulwoods13]

Going forward, I hope the Argos prioritize getting as many fans as possible into the east stands. They have nine 3-hour ads for the in-game experience at BMO, yet most of the fans who are there enjoying themselves are nowhere to be seen during those ads. I'd guess that somewhere around 70-75% of fans at games the past two seasons were in the west side, while the other 25-30% were in the endzone and east side. The team should try to reverse that ratio.

The simplest way to do that would be to have only evening games (7 or 730 start) at least until the end of September. I would never buy seats on the east side if there was any chance of baking in late-afternoon heat over there. It is way beyond my capacity for sun exposure, and I don't think I'm alone in that. The west side has the added benefits of being able to sit behind the players benches, and to see the same angle TV sees.

[shayman]

I've sat on the east side for some uncomfortably hot and astoundingly bright afternoon games and I keep wondering if it'd be possible to have some sort of giant shades on the roof of the west grandstand that might provide a little summer-afternoon relief shadows on the east side. Hoist the sails!

Also just when you think you have a little relief as the sun finally sets behind the West roof and you're in the shade - a few minutes later it reappears, streaming thru the gap between the roof and the top of the grandstand. It can be pretty uncomfortable. Glad our seasons are on the west side but it sure looks bad on TV.

[AngeloV]

I've sat on the east side for some uncomfortably hot and astoundingly bright afternoon games and I keep wondering if it'd be possible to have some sort of giant shades on the roof of the west grandstand that might provide a little summer-afternoon relief shadows on the east side. Hoist the sails!

Also just when you think you have a little relief as the sun finally sets behind the West roof and you're in the shade - a few minutes later it reappears, streaming thru the gap between the roof and the top of the grandstand. It can be pretty uncomfortable. Glad our seasons are on the west side but it sure looks bad on TV.

My eyes a very sensitive. The brightness of the sun is why I don’t sit on the east side. I have no problem with heat, it’s the glare.

[BATKINSON001]

Any idea what last night's attendance count was?

[AngeloV]

Any idea what last night's attendance count was?

Just under 11k

[Mocha]

The simplest way to do that would be to have only evening games (7 or 730 start) at least until the end of September. I would never buy seats on the east side if there was any chance of baking in late-afternoon heat over there. It is way beyond my capacity for sun exposure, and I don't think I'm alone in that. The west side has the added benefits of being able to sit behind the players benches, and to see the same angle TV sees.

Yeah, the glare and the heat are unfortunate issues those sitting in the east stands have to deal with. And even for 7:30 games during the summer months it's an issue for at least the first half. But maybe the team could price tickets that are a decent chunk less than their west-side equivalents to entice some to make the move.

[Argo57]

Just under 11k

Great atmosphere!

[Argos1983]

Any updates on the playoff ticket prices ? Specifically curious about the price range from Sections 219/227 and 220-221/225-226.

Thanks in advance!

[AngeloV]

Any updates on the playoff ticket prices ? Specifically curious about the price range from Sections 219/227 and 220-221/225-226.

Thanks in advance!

Not sure how it works for general public sales, but playoff tickets for ST holders are the same as the regular season prices. For single ticket buyers, tonight's game has prices of $28.50 for 225-227 same for 219-221.

Having said that, 227 and 219 are normally cheaper than 225, 226, 220 and 221. I think the team has reduced prices on these sections.

[Argos1983]

^Thanks for the update.

[Argos1983]

Edit - Presale link received and 4 tickets purchased --- hope there are lots of Argos STH in 225 !! (seems like the best section per dollar in terms of location).

[jerrym]

Below is 2021 CFL attendance. By clicking on "Team Summary" you will get the average attendance of each team. By clicking on Weekly Trend" you will get the average attendance each week. The Argo average attendance is down 800 from the first week (https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/), which is not bad all things considered.

https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/

[Neely2005]

Any idea what last night's attendance count was?

https://mobile.twitter.com/1CFLAtt/status/1459905809115193345

[jerrym]

A cheerful note to a bitter end to the Argo archenemy is that there were 21,492 fans in the stands, many of them with the wrong colours. Hopefully we can get some of the casual fans to come back more often next year, although the second half performance won't help.

[ArgoRavi]

A cheerful note to a bitter end to the Argo archenemy is that there were 21,492 fans in the stands, many of them with the wrong colours. Hopefully we can get some of the casual fans to come back more often next year, although the second half performance won't help.

Nobody can say that they weren't entertained. It was a compelling game.

[jerrym]

Here are the numbers for the CFL attendance. The CFL average for all teams was 19,058.3 In the charts the team averages are compared +/- to the CFL average.



2021 <abbr title="Canadian Football League" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; cursor: help; border-bottom-width: 0px;">CFL</abbr> Regular Season Team Attendance Summary



<tbody>


League Average
19,058.3
68.50%
N/A
19,058.3
68.50%
N/A


12,507.4 BC
100.06%
-6,550.9
19,621.3
74.92%
+563


23,354.1 Calgary
65.51%
+4,295.9
19,934.7
74.77%
+876.4


26,209.9 Edmonton
47.13%
+7,151.6
18,262.6
75.63%
-795.7


19,064.6 Hamilton
91.91%
+6.3
17,143.9
61.86%
-1,914.4


13,063.0 Montreal
65.92%
-5,995.3
18,020.7
64.05%
-1,037.6


13,937.6 Ottawa
72.83%
-5,120.7
17,835.1
68.52%
-1,223.1


28,837.6 Saskatchewan
86.47%
+9,779.3
21,599.7
68.67%
+2,541.4


8,603.3 Toronto
41.82%
-10,455
19,873.0
73.45%
+814.7


25,947.1 Winnipeg
78.58%
+6,888.9
19,233.6
58.24%
+175.3

</tbody>



https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/attendance/2021/