Interesting, that is a surprise.
Personally I've never really liked Lords very much. Half the crowd are only there for the social occasion, I always feel like I'm in the middle of a posh boys' day out!
It doesn't help starting this game on a Wednesday. Day 1 at northern venues hardly ever sell out unless it's the Ashes. I think the Wednesday start would rule out the non-locals who stay over and go to two days because of time off work and extra expense with hotels.