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2024 Crowd Watch

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311
Article in the Daily Telegraph about crowds this week:

Rugby league to break 116-year crowd record this round​


Ticket sales are so strong for this weekend’s round of NRL matches that a number of grounds have already put up the ‘Full House’ sign.

This could be rugby league’s first-ever sell out grand slam.

If not, the NRL will get as close as it’s ever been in 116-years to selling out every game in a single round.

Already six games are shaping as possible sellouts, the most ever in any one round, and some clubs still have four days to promote matches before kick-off.

The grand final replay between Penrith and Brisbane on Thursday night at BlueBet Stadium will be sold out, as will Friday night’s game between the Warriors and Canberra in Christchurch.

“We’re at 88 per cent sold right now (Thursday lunchtime) and expect the game to be sold out,” said Panthers chief executive, Brian Fletcher.

The Warriors pulled a 16,000 capacity crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium, the venue for Saturday’s game in Christchurch, during a pre-season game against Wests Tigers.

“We sold out this game back in early February,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “It’s really exciting and we’re really appreciative of the support around the country.”

Parramatta hosts rivals Manly at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon with an Eels spokesman saying the match will draw a crowd of between 25,000 and 29,000, which is capacity.

Canterbury wouldn’t usually attract a massive crowd against Gold Coast but are now expecting a bumper turnout given the game will be played at the Bulldogs’ spiritual home ground, Belmore Sports Ground.

It is also the NRL’s Multicultural round.

“The last three times we’ve played at Belmore, we’ve sold out and I have no doubt our fans will turn out loud and proud to help cheer our squad on and try to get them across the line for our first win of the season,” said Bulldogs chief executive, Aaron Warburton.

“We know how electric the atmosphere at Belmore can be when our blue and white faithful pack the family hill and the grandstand. We’re looking forward to packing the stands out on Saturday.”

Wests Tigers haven’t won a game yet but the club is certain to fill Leichhardt Oval – nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals – against fellow Sydney club, Cronulla.

“They’ll have to shut the gates again at Leichhardt,” said Tigers great Benny Elias. “Leichhardt Oval is a bucket-list item for any rugby league fan. The game has never been stronger.”

Friday night’s blockbuster between rivals Sydney Roosters and Souths will pull a big crowd but may fall short of filling the 45,000-seat Allianz Stadium.

“Ticket sales for Friday night’s game are really strong and on par with the same fixture last year, and we are anticipating a crowd of well over 30,000,” said Sydney Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly.

“This is our first home game at Allianz Stadium for the season and we are expecting a large turnout from our Roosters’ members and supporters. It is also the first opportunity of the season for Souths fans to watch their team in Sydney, so no doubt there will be a strong showing from their supporters as well.”

The Roosters are hoping for a large late walk-up from city workers.

Sunday night’s match between the Knights and Melbourne at McDonald Jones Stadium should also go perilously close to selling out in footy-mad Newcastle.

Melbourne’s unbeaten run coupled with Newcastle’s winless start will ensure immense interest.

Ticket sales are solid for St George Illawarra’ game on Saturday against North Queensland but may fail to sell out. Had Saints toppled the Dolphins last Sunday, Jubilee Stadium would have been bursting.

“Ticket sales have been solid for our first home game of the season on the back of great optimism around Shane Flanagan and the team. A family friendly Saturday evening at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium should bring a crowd of 12,000 plus,” said Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb.

Sydney has a clear weekend forecast.

NOTE ARTICLE PAYWALLED: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-set-to-break-records-as-crowds-flock-back-to-rugby-league/news-story/02982f0fbdc6b4b3545a6a0484b969e0&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=HIGH-Segment-1-SCORE
 

Vlad59

Bench
Messages
4,048
Article in the Daily Telegraph about crowds this week:

Rugby league to break 116-year crowd record this round​


Ticket sales are so strong for this weekend’s round of NRL matches that a number of grounds have already put up the ‘Full House’ sign.

This could be rugby league’s first-ever sell out grand slam.

If not, the NRL will get as close as it’s ever been in 116-years to selling out every game in a single round.

Already six games are shaping as possible sellouts, the most ever in any one round, and some clubs still have four days to promote matches before kick-off.

The grand final replay between Penrith and Brisbane on Thursday night at BlueBet Stadium will be sold out, as will Friday night’s game between the Warriors and Canberra in Christchurch.

“We’re at 88 per cent sold right now (Thursday lunchtime) and expect the game to be sold out,” said Panthers chief executive, Brian Fletcher.

The Warriors pulled a 16,000 capacity crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium, the venue for Saturday’s game in Christchurch, during a pre-season game against Wests Tigers.

“We sold out this game back in early February,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “It’s really exciting and we’re really appreciative of the support around the country.”

Parramatta hosts rivals Manly at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon with an Eels spokesman saying the match will draw a crowd of between 25,000 and 29,000, which is capacity.

Canterbury wouldn’t usually attract a massive crowd against Gold Coast but are now expecting a bumper turnout given the game will be played at the Bulldogs’ spiritual home ground, Belmore Sports Ground.

It is also the NRL’s Multicultural round.

“The last three times we’ve played at Belmore, we’ve sold out and I have no doubt our fans will turn out loud and proud to help cheer our squad on and try to get them across the line for our first win of the season,” said Bulldogs chief executive, Aaron Warburton.

“We know how electric the atmosphere at Belmore can be when our blue and white faithful pack the family hill and the grandstand. We’re looking forward to packing the stands out on Saturday.”

Wests Tigers haven’t won a game yet but the club is certain to fill Leichhardt Oval – nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals – against fellow Sydney club, Cronulla.

“They’ll have to shut the gates again at Leichhardt,” said Tigers great Benny Elias. “Leichhardt Oval is a bucket-list item for any rugby league fan. The game has never been stronger.”

Friday night’s blockbuster between rivals Sydney Roosters and Souths will pull a big crowd but may fall short of filling the 45,000-seat Allianz Stadium.

“Ticket sales for Friday night’s game are really strong and on par with the same fixture last year, and we are anticipating a crowd of well over 30,000,” said Sydney Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly.

“This is our first home game at Allianz Stadium for the season and we are expecting a large turnout from our Roosters’ members and supporters. It is also the first opportunity of the season for Souths fans to watch their team in Sydney, so no doubt there will be a strong showing from their supporters as well.”

The Roosters are hoping for a large late walk-up from city workers.

Sunday night’s match between the Knights and Melbourne at McDonald Jones Stadium should also go perilously close to selling out in footy-mad Newcastle.

Melbourne’s unbeaten run coupled with Newcastle’s winless start will ensure immense interest.

Ticket sales are solid for St George Illawarra’ game on Saturday against North Queensland but may fail to sell out. Had Saints toppled the Dolphins last Sunday, Jubilee Stadium would have been bursting.

“Ticket sales have been solid for our first home game of the season on the back of great optimism around Shane Flanagan and the team. A family friendly Saturday evening at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium should bring a crowd of 12,000 plus,” said Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb.

Sydney has a clear weekend forecast.

NOTE ARTICLE PAYWALLED: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-set-to-break-records-as-crowds-flock-back-to-rugby-league/news-story/02982f0fbdc6b4b3545a6a0484b969e0&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=HIGH-Segment-1-SCORE
Game in crisis
 

SLRBRONCOS

Referee
Messages
25,162
@SLRBRONCOS Any insight for the Bronx vs Cows game next Friday? I presume we will see it push towards the high 40s?
A few hundred single seats left + a few hundred held for new members that will sell once released. Corporate sales sound strong too.

With no rain 46-47k is possible.

The forecast is grim so 43k is probably more likely.

A sell out will be called in any case.
 

Iamback

Referee
Messages
20,296
Great article but I think they are overestimating some of the crowds. I can't see Leichhardt selling out and 12K at Kogarah will still be higher than expected.

Happy to be proven wrong.

Penrith won't get more than 17k tonight

Still good to see positive stories for a change
 

yakstorm

First Grade
Messages
6,035
Great article but I think they are overestimating some of the crowds. I can't see Leichhardt selling out and 12K at Kogarah will still be higher than expected.
Agree, some of the quotes they've used to support their statement that all these games will sell out either have zero substance or don't indicate that at all. My favourite is this one from Benny Elias:

“They’ll have to shut the gates again at Leichhardt. Leichhardt Oval is a bucket-list item for any rugby league fan. The game has never been stronger.”

Despite the fact that Elias has nothing to do with the Wests Tigers, Inner West Council or Ticketek, they're relying on him to tell us the expected crowd. Anyway, for all those people who don't really follow the crowds like us, it helps continue to paint the narrative that NRL games are attracting bigger crowds.
 

bazza

Immortal
Messages
30,698
Great article but I think they are overestimating some of the crowds. I can't see Leichhardt selling out and 12K at Kogarah will still be higher than expected.

Happy to be proven wrong.
yes - these articles are usually for other sports instead of rugby league and then no follow up with the actual crowds
 

yakstorm

First Grade
Messages
6,035
How the hell is the knights selling out .. at 6.30 Sunday looking at 0-3
It's not unfortunately. Whilst lower bowl is pretty good (except for corners) there are still a lot of tickets left in the upper grandstands. If it was 2pm on Sunday (versus 6:30), there would be a chance that walkups could fill that, but I'd say it will be similar to their crowd against the Raiders.
 

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