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The Saskatchewan Roughriders consistently boast impressive announced attendance numbers at Mosaic Stadium. However, many fans have noticed that the stands often appear less full than those figures suggest. So, what’s going on? Former Roughriders employee, Davis, sheds light on the historical and ongoing methods used to calculate attendance, revealing a practice that may inflate the official numbers.

For years, at Taylor Field, a unique system was in place. After each home game, Roughriders staff meticulously collected all the ticket stubs from the entry gates. These stubs were then piled onto a scale and weighed. This weight was then used to estimate the actual crowd size. While seemingly straightforward, this method has inherent flaws and doesn’t necessarily reflect the number of people actually in the stadium.

The Stub Weighing System: A Historical Perspective

The practice of weighing ticket stubs stemmed from a time before sophisticated electronic ticketing systems. It was a practical, albeit imperfect, way to gauge attendance. However, the weight of a stub doesn’t directly correlate to the number of people in the stadium. Factors such as the type of paper used for tickets, humidity, and even the way stubs are folded can influence the weight.

Beyond Taylor Field: The Current Approach

While the specific weighing method may not be actively used at Mosaic Stadium, the legacy of this approach has impacted how attendance is reported. Modern systems utilize turnstile counts, but these can still be subject to discrepancies. Season ticket holders who don’t attend every game, complimentary tickets, and promotional giveaways all contribute to the gap between announced attendance and the actual number of fans in the stands.

Why Does This Matter?

The inflated attendance numbers can impact the team's revenue, marketing efforts, and overall perception. While the Roughriders are a beloved franchise with a passionate fanbase, transparency regarding attendance figures is crucial for maintaining credibility and building trust with fans. A more accurate reflection of crowd sizes would provide a truer picture of the team's popularity and the effectiveness of their promotional strategies.

Looking Ahead

As the CFL continues to evolve, more accurate and transparent attendance reporting methods are essential. Utilizing advanced data analytics and electronic ticketing systems can provide a more reliable measure of fan engagement. The Roughriders, like other CFL teams, should prioritize these improvements to ensure that their attendance figures genuinely represent the size and passion of their fanbase. Ultimately, the focus should be on creating a vibrant game-day experience that draws consistent and enthusiastic crowds, regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard.