If Cards Scrimmage is Any Indication, Lockout Had No Effect on Fans
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals most likely will feel very little effects of the NFL Lockout. Saturday’s scrimmage in Flagstaff attracted approximately 13,000 fans. Let me say that again, approximately 13,000 fans. There have been Arizona Diamondbacks games this season with fewer people in the stands and they are in a fight for first place. This just proves football is still king, no matter what.
With the scrimmage taking place in Flagstaff, on a Saturday, in the middle of the summer, is most likely a factor too. Fact is though, that’s a lot of people making the 140-150 mile trek up north. Impressive in any season. More impressive given what the NFL has been through the past five months. People are football starved.
Of course, most likely the Cards will generate large crowds again in the regular season, but that will be the next litmus test to pass. Forget the preseason games, they mean nothing, so it would be little surprise to see them not sell out, although every single one has since University of Phoenix Stadium opened in 2006.