Gerry Moddejonge was correct when he indicated it was a mistake to open the upper bowl. The CFL business model works best with a smaller stadium. Let’s look at the Hamilton example. Hamilton’s former stadium Ivor Wynne Stadium use to be to seat approximately 29,000. The only game that was a guaranteed sellout was Labour Day. As a result, Hamilton fans resisted to commitment to buy CFL Hamilton season tickets because, except for Labour Day, they could always walk up on game day and buy a game ticket. This way they weren’t paying for tickets for a game where it might rain. This philosophy all changed when the new current Hamilton stadium was built with a seating capacity under 25,000. Smaller stadiums sell out sooner. The moment Hamilton fans realized that they might not find tickets even available for good-weather games, they wanted to attend to cheer on the Tiger-Cats, then Tiger-Cat season ticket sales soared. More casual fans made the commitment to become season-ticket holders and other casual fans bought their game tickets weeks sooner than they had in the past, all which meant more operating capital to run a football team. So Moddejonge was absolutely correct when he questioned the decision to open the upper bowl at Commonwealth Stadium. The best thing the Elks can do, is with the exception of playoff games, announce that upper bowl is now closed FOREVER!!! Read More
Source: Edmonton Sun
