Soccer generating more excitement in Edmonton than the CFL  

By Olivia Lawrence 

RP Show Intern

Two important World Cup Qualifier games for Men’s National Soccer are happening in Edmonton at the CommonWealth Stadium Friday night (Nov. 12) and Tuesday (Nov. 16).  The city is buzzing for these games, it has been announced the stadium will be PACKED exceeding 45,000 people at each game. Canada’s national soccer team will be playing both nights against Costa Rica and Mexico. 

Rod Pedersen brought in Bryn Griffiths from The Mighty Mouth Communications in Edmonton on Friday’s episode of The Rod Pedersen Show to discuss the amount of appeal Canada’s soccer team has created.

“The number they’re trying to beat today, and I think they’re going to beat it, is the Great Cup here in 2019, they put 55,819 into the stadium for that,” said Griffiths. “This is going to come close tonight to beating that. And then you have Mexico who is a world powerhouse. They’re coming in on Tuesday night, and I’m pretty sure that it’s going to be the same number. They’re already over 50,000 for that one.”

“Everything’s a competition in sports,” said Rod Pedersen. We got to compare the crowds for the Edmonton Elks versus the crowds for this, what’s up with football?”

Historically, the Edmonton Elks usually led the Canadian Football league (CFL) in attendance for 30 years. Fast forward to this year, attendance numbers have dropped tremendously.  

“If you don’t give people a good reason to go, they’re spending their money elsewhere,” said Griffiths. And we’re seeing it this year. If they don’t make full scale changes with the CFL club here this winter, it’s not going to make any difference, and you’re going to keep seeing the same crowds.”

Rod Pedersen asked Griffiths what it is about this red and white soccer team that has generated so much hype this year. 

He believes there are a variety of reasons. One of Canada’s forwards is Alphonso Davies, he is north Edmonton raised. Not only is he Edmonton born, he is an asset on the team and is grabbing soccer fans attention globally.  

“He scored a rather sizable goal, it was a highlight reel goal against Panama in Toronto a 4-1 victory,” said Griffiths. The timing of that goal, you just can’t say enough about it, it electrified people here. And all of a sudden people here noticed, I think it drove ticket sales right through the roof.”

Griffiths also mentioned how soccer is still the number one participation sport in the country. A real fan base is growing here due to the diversity of Canada’s population. People moving to Canada from other countries love soccer.

Canadians are also known for rallying behind a team or athlete no matter what sport it is!

“The men’s national team is finally getting it going too with a lot of younger players who’ve developed,” said Griffiths. “So I think that there’s a lot of factors coming into play here.”