Record Crowd in Hamilton Signals Bright Future for Canadian Soccer

Tuesday’s thrilling 2-2 draw between Forge FC and Atlético Ottawa wasn’t just a top-tier battle between two CPL contenders — it was a historic moment for Canadian soccer. According to CanPL.ca, a record-setting crowd of 17,971 fans packed Hamilton Stadium, setting a new attendance benchmark for the Canadian Premier League.

The previous record of 17,611, set during the league’s inaugural match in 2019, was finally surpassed — fittingly, at the same venue. Much of the attendance came from students representing over 150 schools in the region, as part of Forge FC’s second annual School Day Match, an initiative that turned a weekday morning into a celebration of sport and community.

The energy in the stands was undeniable. Thousands of kids wore Forge jerseys, waved scarves, and called out to players by name, bringing a youthful vibrancy that clearly lifted the home side. Players and coaches acknowledged the atmosphere as a driving force behind Forge’s ability to respond twice after falling behind.

For veterans like Kyle Bekker and Nathan Ingham — both of whom also played in that historic 2019 opener — the occasion carried added meaning. “Maybe the next CPL star was in the stands today,” Bekker remarked, hinting at the long-term impact of such events on the league’s future.

While the match ended evenly, the real victory was in the stands — where thousands of young fans left having witnessed Canadian sports history, and perhaps, discovered a dream they’ll one day chase on the very same pitch.