CFL attendance has been notably low primarily due to a combination of specific short-term logistical challenges and persistent market-specific struggles in key urban centers.
Key Reasons for Depressed CFL Attendance
The decline in attendance for Canadian Football League (CFL) games stems from distinct issues identified over time:
1. Stadium Availability Challenges (Mid-2010s)
During the middle of the 2010s, CFL attendance was significantly depressed by short-term issues, most notably the lack of stadium availability in crucial markets. This directly impacted the league's ability to host games efficiently and consistently attract fans in large numbers.
- Affected Markets:
- Toronto: Faced considerable challenges due to stadium availability constraints.
- Hamilton: Also experienced issues related to stadium access during this period.
These logistical hurdles prevented a smooth fan experience and potentially limited capacity, contributing to lower attendance figures.
2. Persistent Low Attendance in Key Urban Markets (By 2018)
By 2018, the situation evolved into long-term concerns in several major Canadian cities, where attendance consistently fell below a critical threshold. This indicated deeper, structural issues beyond temporary logistical problems.
- Consistent Underperformance: Attendance in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver was consistently below 20,000 fans.
- Long-Term Implications: This sustained low engagement in such significant markets prompted considerable long-term concerns for the league's viability and growth in those areas.
These cities represent major population centers, and their inability to consistently draw larger crowds points to challenges in fan engagement, market saturation, or competition from other entertainment options.
Markets Facing Significant Attendance Challenges by 2018
| City | Attendance Trend by 2018 | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Consistently below 20,000 | Long-term concern |
| Montreal | Consistently below 20,000 | Long-term concern |
| Vancouver | Consistently below 20,000 | Long-term concern |
These factors, ranging from specific stadium issues in the mid-2010s to ongoing low attendance in major cities by 2018, are central to understanding why CFL attendance has been a concern.
