Probably unpopular opinion but i have different thoughts on why this was a good move. Last few years uk had to literally give away tickets on sidewalks to get rupp full. This will drive more demand for the fewer seats.
Now don't get me wrong, i think pope could've filled rupp. So that makes me wonder if either 1) this was already in the works based on tepid interest under cal or 2) there was some other indicator pointing to low interest.