The Laval University Rouge et Or will set a regular season attendance record on Sunday when the McGill Redbirds visit.
The plateau of 12,274 spectators needed to beat the mark of 69,097 established in 2011 has already been reached 72 hours before kickoff. In 2011, the Rouge et Or played five games at home in a nine-game schedule.
After three games, a total of 56,824 spectators passed through the turnstiles for an average of 18,941. The best average before this year dates back to 2005 with 16,718 fans per match. For comparison, more than 60,000 fans attended the four games of the Rouge et Or in 2023 for an average of 15,173.
“I am very happy with the response from fans and the efforts of the University staff,” said head coach Glen Constantin. I am very proud and very grateful for everyone’s efforts. It’s a very, very big success.”
How does Constantine explain this new craze? “Our victory against Montreal at the start of the season, the mild weather and the efforts of employees to offer a more fun customer experience for fans are factors. There has been a resurgence in promotion. It’s a match, but it’s more than that. It’s an event.”
“There are also many, many efforts being made on social networks,” added Constantin. Our players like this presence on the networks.
The Laval pilot identifies another factor to explain this record crowd. “Because of our past successes, fans were jaded that we won by large margins,” he stressed. The RSEQ is more competitive and that makes the show more interesting for people.”
Players appreciate fan support
Arnaud Desjardins maintains that playing in front of the biggest crowd in the country is a big plus. “It’s a huge advantage to play at home in front of a crowd like that,” said the 4th-year quarterback. There is one more check mark this year. Against Montreal at the start of the season, it was wet throughout the second half and people remained in the stands to encourage us. I don’t have the words to express all my gratitude to the fans.”
