If you think the problem is distance alone, you'd be wrong. The problem with the CTC is mostly it being in what feels like the middle of nowhere, and not the actual distance travelled.
The thought for many people near the end of a game is "let's get our of here before we're stuck in traffic". Having it downtown enables the "let's continue the night elsewhere" option. Even if someone goes home, just having what feels like an option to walk somewhere to extend the night, will make the entire experience more enjoyable.