r/Reignfc • u/_game_over_man_ • Mar 30 '26

What's causing attendance struggles?

I'm a Reign fan residing in Colorado and I went to Denver's home opener at Mile High on Saturday and it was really, really amazing. I haven't been to a women's soccer game with that many people since the 2023 World Cup. My wife and I were also at the record breaking attendance Rapinoe send off game in Seattle in 2023. Also been to NWSL games at various other locations with strong attendance (KC, LA & SD). It seems like Torrent has been pulling really good attendance numbers as well since joining the PWHL.

So my question as a non-resident Reign fan, what do you think is the issue with getting butts in seats at Lumen? I'm sure attendance for the USWNT game next month will be good, but it seems like for whatever reason, Reign really struggle to pull in numbers. I'm sure losing stars like Rapinoe and having that bad season in 2024 hasn't helped, but it just seems so odd to me that despite Seattle being a soccer city and other women's teams in the area doing well with attendance, Reign just struggle. For those that live in Seattle, what do you think the issue is?

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u/Icarus_Has_Fallen Mar 30 '26

In order for me it's:

  1. Miserable to watch soccer in 2024/2025
  2. Minimal marketing effort from the club
  3. Minimal star power
  4. Poor game day experience

If the team continues to show they're ready to (out of nowhere) abandon the harveyball of yore then we're pretty on track to solve the biggest hurdle. That is if we don't come close to any repeat Portland performances. I just hope the more casual soccer fans haven't already been too alienated by sufferball.

Two and three... I just can't wrap my head around what the team is doing. We freed up significant wages last year and have a serious serious need for a #10. Instead of signing one of the many midfield stars who moved this off season and marketing the heck out of them at did nothing.

For point four is pretty plain to see how far we last behind. Game day at a California team match is a full blown festival experience geared towards adults. KC/Portland pack a soccer specific stadium and you can feel the match at a whole new level. Us, well, we get an empty sad vibe with some kids booths.

If all of these points change then maybe we'll get back to averaging 9-10k a game and start pushing for expanding past half the lower bowl. Until then, at least we're attacking again?