Ok, it's SUPPOSED to popularize it, and it would if our federation did any effort at all in advertising the event. I wouldn't have known about it if I didn't follow FS.In 2008, 2009, and 2014 the World Juniors was held in Bulgaria, it hasn't popularized the sport at all as there is more competitors than audience members currently. It's fine it you like supporting countries where figure skating lacks popularity, but it does nothing to popularize the sport in those nations.
However it certainly encourages our young skaters and it sure encourages me, who couldn't afford going to events in Japan and Canada.
Edit: the turnout isn't THAT bad, too. Most people are sitting behind the judges and the camera only shows the opposite side. The arena's capacity is in the ten thousands so it does look jarring.

