Fans at TD Place scrambled for cover during Saturday's Ottawa Redblacks home opener, a scene that has reignited debate over the lack of a roof in the planned Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment. The stormy weather, which has plagued recent home games, directly impacted attendance and fan experience, highlighting a key concern for the $418.8-million project.
Fans Seek Shelter as Rain Pours
Lanny Underhill, a longtime season-ticket holder, observed from his dry seat under the north-side overhang as fans from exposed sections flocked to covered areas. "Tons and tons of south-side people and north-side people that were down below were coming up and asking, 'Are these seats taken? Are these seats taken?' because they were just trying to get out of the rain," Underhill said. He noted the contrast between packed covered sections and largely empty exposed seating on the south side.
Lansdowne 2.0's Roofless Design Under Fire
The current north-side grandstand features an overhanging roof that protects a large portion of seating. However, the new 12,400-seat structure planned for Lansdowne 2.0 will not include a roof, a decision Underhill criticizes. "We'll probably have to re-evaluate," he said regarding his season-ticket renewal. The redevelopment aims to replace the aging arena and stands but has drawn scrutiny for omitting coverage from the north side.
Weather Woes Hit Attendance
The Redblacks have faced a streak of bad weather during home games, with rain, lightning delays, and gloomy forecasts becoming common. Mark Goudie, president and CEO of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, acknowledged the issue: "It is statistically improbable that we could have the amount of rain on Redblacks game days that we've had over the last three or four years." Weather significantly affects CFL attendance, as many fans buy tickets last minute. "The big problem in CFL football and in Ottawa is a big portion of your crowd is walk-up," Goudie said. "When you've got a forecast that's forecasting rain on game day, that just kills your sales."
Comparison to Other Stadiums
While Goudie noted that most open-air stadiums in North America lack roofs, Underhill moved his season tickets years ago specifically to avoid Ottawa's unpredictable weather. "Why sit in the rain when you could sit perfectly dry?" he said. The debate continues as construction progresses at Lansdowne, with a large pit visible beyond the east end zone, part of the first phase of Lansdowne 2.0. When kicks land in the excavation area, the jumbotron flashes "In The Pit," adding a new quirk to game day.
