The Edmonton Elks are working hard to shake off years of struggles — and if Friday night's pre-season finale at Clarke Stadium is any indication, the fanbase is ready to believe again.
With Commonwealth Stadium undergoing a turf renovation, the Elks hosted the Calgary Stampeders at Clarke next door in what became a statement moment for the franchise. The venue, expanded from 5,100 to more than 10,000 seats for the occasion, drew a crowd that brought legitimate big-game energy despite wet weather and a one-hour delay.
The Elks fell 21-18, but the attendance numbers told a different story — one that directly contradicts the grim predictions of recent years. For a franchise that faced declining crowds and whispers about whether it could even fill a temporary home, the turnout was nothing short of a morale booster.
Time to Prove the Doubters Wrong
Edmonton's struggles have been well-documented. The Elks kicked off 2022 with a 1-4 record. Then came 2023's devastating 0-9 start. The 2024 season began 0-7, and last year opened at 1-6. For a team trying to rebuild its identity and fan trust, those early-season collapses cut deep.
Now, with the regular season set to begin Saturday, June 6 against the Ottawa Redblacks (5 p.m., TSN), the pressure is on to finally deliver a strong start. This isn't the time for another slow burn — Alberta fans want to see immediate improvement.
The fact that Clarke Stadium needed expanded capacity for a pre-season game suggests something important: when the Elks show up to play and the excitement builds, people show up too. That's the foundation the franchise needs to build on as it attempts to turn years of disappointment into a competitive roster.
Originally reported by Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Journal