The combination of a Sunday night game and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, traditionally a weak draw at TD Place, was always going to test Ottawa Redblacks ticket sellers. But with the team now 0-5 after a 40-17 road loss in Edmonton on Thursday, sportsbook oddsmakers may consider adding a prop bet: Will empty seats outnumber the announced attendance on July 19?
Attendance woes deepen
The Redblacks have averaged 14,711 fans through three home games at the 24,000-seat TD Place. That number is inflated because only about half of the 15,038 who bought tickets for the season opener braved nasty weather. For the Winnipeg game, empty seats could easily surpass the announced crowd.
Connected to the crowd problems, if not directly to blame, are the mounting losses. The franchise's losing streak has reached 11 games, dating back to a 34-33 victory over the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5, 2025.
Playoff hopes not dead yet
Despite the winless start to the 18-game season, the situation is not as dire as it sounds. A victory in Edmonton—where the Redblacks trailed 16-14 with just over 12 minutes left—would have pulled them within a game of the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. While Toronto appears to have turned things around, Hamilton is likely in trouble after losing star quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to injury.
“So no, it’s not nuts to talk about the Redblacks’ playoff chances,” the article notes, “but even though it’s only the second week of July, time is ticking away.” The team’s second and final bye follows the Winnipeg game, after which they face back-to-back meetings with the 2025 Grey Cup combatants, the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Leadership under scrutiny
Callers to the post-game show on Thursday questioned why more blame wasn't directed at Sean Burke, who relinquished the GM title this season to become vice president of football operations. The team is 24-56-1 and has played just one playoff game since his arrival. “Burke is a hard worker who knows the game, but the results just haven’t been there,” the article states.
Hiring Ryan Dinwiddie, who won two Grey Cups in five seasons as coach of the Argonauts, appeared wise. But Dinwiddie is still seeking his first win in his three-tiered role as offensive coordinator, head coach, and GM. Even if owner Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group wasn't paying Bob Dyce not to coach, it's asinine to think Dinwiddie is walking a tightrope. Major changes are more likely if the Redblacks sit 0-6 on the off week.
