What is leading to low attendance at one of the country's most popular football stadiums?
CTV
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have one of the strongest fan bases in the league but are having a tough time filling their stadium this year.
A team second in the Canadian Football League (CFL) West Division standings is having a tough time filling its stadium this year.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have one of the strongest fan bases in the league. But the team's last home game recorded the lowest attendance since Mosaic Stadium opened in 2017, with just shy of 24,000 fans.
The low turnout prompted head coach Corey Mace to plead with fans on social media.
"Rider Nation. We appreciate you, we love you. We heard you, you helped make a difference. Let's skip the lake on [July] 19th, let's pack this place like the good ole days," Mace posted to X.
Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds said the low attendance is largely due to the schedule.
The Riders' home opener was on a Sunday while kids were still in school. Their second home game was on a Thursday.
"About 50 per cent of our fan base travels each and every game to attend our games … so that's tough for out-of-town fans," Reynolds said.
