It seems things aren't quite as bad as some feared with TFC season ticket sales.
According to information prospective TFC season ticket holders received today, the club has just 1,600 season seats remaining to be sold.
Over the past few years they have capped season seats at 16,000. So, simple math tells us that there are 14,400 season seats sold as of right now. It seems likely that they will hit the 16,000 target again.
Clearly, the reduction in price has helped drive numbers up (CSN was told that the renewal rate is the highest it's been since 2010). There has still been an erosion of support – it was inevitable with the season they had last year – but enough people have looked at the prices and decided that it’s still a worthwhile way to spend money.
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It’s no surprise that at less than $200 for renewals the supporter’s section has completely sold out (although it should be noted that the North End Elite section is pretty much dead* – most of its members have decided to move out of 127 and those that have moved in are most likely taking advantage of the inexpensive pricing and are not organized, nor interested in acting like a typical supporter’s section).
Having attended the season seat holder event on both the first and last day, it was clear that there were less seats available than in past years. That was especially the case in the south end and in the more expensive seats. There did, however, remain a hole in season seat sales – the east stand reds and dark greys. Those seats likely represent the worst value in the stadium and will be the toughest to move.
With current season seat holders getting an additional opportunity to add seats until Friday, and then those still looking to become holders for the first time (or looking to return at the lower cost) getting their shot starting Saturday, it seems likely that the remaining 1,600 will be sold.
That’s not to say all is rosy, however. Normally the club sells an additional 2,000 partial packs. Since many of those fans will likely move up to grab some of the season packages left, it seems like it will be a greater challenge to move those. It would not be surprising if the club was still looking to sell partial packages into the start of the 2013 season.
Single game seats will remain the biggest challenge. Anyone that was around the club last year knows how easy it was to get seats at well below face value. It seems like that will remain the case in 2013, especially in the early part of the season.
Earlier this year, CSN was told that TFC had requested a home schedule that was summer heavy. The thinking was twofold: Toronto fans been forced to deal with a spring heavy schedule for most of the past six seasons (TFC agreed to playing games in colder weather months as a favour to the league – it allowed them to schedule summer games in cities that needed the walk-up crowd). So, it’s fair that Reds fans get some more days in the sun next year. More importantly, however,TFC management feels that it needs the walk-up bump in 2013.
There is a clear correlation between nice summer days/nights and big crowds. Even in 2012 the Reds drew well when people wanted to be outside enjoying cold beverages on warm nights.
In conclusion, reports of a complete fall-out of support were greatly exaggerated. But, 2007 excitement is still a long winning streak away.
* A seat holder in 127 contacted me to say that there is a new group of seat holders attempting to organize. If you are in 127 and interested, please contact them at kingsofthenorth127@gmail.com.