Firstly, I was one of the 5k last night. Thursday nights are horrible for attendances, no kids due to school the next day, match on Sky etc, and games where season ticket holders have to pay for are usually poorly attended. This is the first year where we have had to pay for play off games.
But the main factor I feel is general apathy with the game, not just at our place where the rugby has been very poor for the last half of the season, but across the league. Just watching the televised games isn't as entertaining as it used to be.
Out of interest, what are they charging at your place for the game tonight. Last night, Wire were giving £5 off for season ticket holders. So for us in the south stand it was £17 for adults, £11 concessions. But non-season tickets holders aren't going to pay £22 for that. Seating prices will be even higher.