Bring Back The Daytime Grand Final!!

[Peter Jostella]

An NRL Grand Final has not been played in the afternoon since 2000 when Brisbane defeated Roosters 14-6. Since then 2001-2007 were night time clashes, 2008-2012 were twilight fixtures then ever since 2013 they’ve been night fixtures once again.

The reason being for night grand finals is because of the television ratings and agreements. For example Channel 9 and Fox Sports signed a TV deal between 2013 & 2017, as apart of that deal Channel 9 wanted nighttime grand finals.

That TV agreement finished this year so next year the new deal will kick into place. The NRL will regain full control of the draw away from the broadcasters. So it’ll be up to the NRLs discretion to decide the kickoff time for next year’s Grand Final right up until atleast 2022.

I believe the 3pm daytime game must return next year. It’ll be a different experience for fans. I love seeing a packed 80,000 fans during the day at ANZ Stadium to watch a daytime match, the atmosphere is just absolutely electric.

It is true that the nighttime grand finals do get higher TV ratings but I’m sure a daytime final would be just as good.

 

[Generalzod]

A 1930 start is such a long day, 1500 start is perfect.

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

Afternoons sure make it more fan friendly in having a get together/BBQ and enjoying the day. Hanging around until night kills off a bit of the momentum and excitement of the day. Plus not having a Public Holiday on Monday means it's not as enjoyable to let go and get into the event.

 

[Perth Red]

Would have hated to sit in the sun yesterday all day. A good compromise would be to kick off just as sun covers stadium around 6pm. Having said that I thought the atmosphere built as it got darker and lights came on. Fire machines just not the same in daytime lol

 

[East Coast Tiger]

The simple fact that it doesn't start in one of our major markets until 9.30pm on a Sunday night should be reason enough to can it. But the NRL would have to give two f**ks about the game in NZ for that to happen.

 

[ANTiLAG]

Maybe bring it an hour forward, but I like the evening game, just as I prefer day night cricket.

 

[POPEYE]

After dark is the best time to play serious RL

 

[GongPanther]

The heat factor for the fans.In 2014 it was brutal for the lower grades.

 

[footy75]

Won't happen son. Night games dominate tv ratings and help with the entertainment.

 

[horrie hastings]

The heat factor for the fans.In 2014 it was brutal for the lower grades.

Likewise in 2013 the heat was terrible.

 

[moffla]

Huge fan of the 5pm

 

[RockWheel]

Keep the night grand final but bring back day semi-finals in week two and three.

 

[Pantherjim.]

Won't happen son. Night games dominate tv ratings and help with the entertainment.

Looks like an AFL day GF doesn't effect the TV ratings or entertainment.

Oh, they somehow manage to attract more people to any given finals games too.

Pity we can't learn stuff from them such as; how to attract more than 15,000 people to a sudden death semi-final between two Sydney teams at the SFS for instance...

 

[Stallion]

An NRL Grand Final has not been played in the afternoon since 2000 when Brisbane defeated Roosters 14-6. Since then 2001-2007 were night time clashes, 2008-2012 were twilight fixtures then ever since 2013 they’ve been night fixtures once again.

The reason being for night grand finals is because of the television ratings and agreements. For example Channel 9 and Fox Sports signed a TV deal between 2013 & 2017, as apart of that deal Channel 9 wanted nighttime grand finals.

That TV agreement finished this year so next year the new deal will kick into place. The NRL will regain full control of the draw away from the broadcasters. So it’ll be up to the NRLs discretion to decide the kickoff time for next year’s Grand Final right up until atleast 2022.

I believe the 3pm daytime game must return next year. It’ll be a different experience for fans. I love seeing a packed 80,000 fans during the day at ANZ Stadium to watch a daytime match, the atmosphere is just absolutely electric.

It is true that the nighttime grand finals do get higher TV ratings but I’m sure a daytime final would be just as good.

The last two AFL daytime grandfinals have easily outrated the NRLs nightime grandfinals.

 

[Stallion]

Won't happen son. Night games dominate tv ratings and help with the entertainment.[/QUOTE


The last two daytime grandfinals of another code have easily surpassed the NRL tv nightime ratings figures.

 

[Canard]

I wonder why the AFL is looking at a night grand final as early as next year then?

Also does the NRL really control kick off times next season? I thought it was just matchups

 

[Stallion]

I wonder why the AFL is looking at a night grand final as early as next year then?


Also does the NRL really control kick off times next season? I thought it was just matchups

The AFL have very good spindoctors! They are quite happy to see rugby league neglect the younger generations and let their version of footy infiltrate kids minds at a very young age . Meanwhile rugby league keeps showing the sport at a late time for such kids. Guess whos juniors are increasing? Its not rugby league that's for sure. Even if the AFL did go later I believe it would be twighlight and not past little kids viewing time. They are really doing a number on this great code. Rugby league deserves better.

 

[big hit!]

6pm is the ideal time for mine, but C9 will kick up a stink.

I hope the NRL are strict on match start times next season......Origins are a f**king joke too with their 8pm advertised, 8:17pm actual kick-offs

 

[hutch]

Probably an hour too late imo. It will never go back to 3pm and I'm glad about that. Too early imo. It's a great day, just drags on for an hour too long. 6 or 6.30 would be perfect.

 

[big hit!]

I wonder why the AFL is looking at a night grand final as early as next year then?

Also does the NRL really control kick off times next season? I thought it was just matchups

Twilight is as far as the the AFL go. 4:30pm start.

I'm reading that NRL control the scheduling from next season, but then hear that thu nights and fri 6pm are still contracted so i think it's just the match-ups. does it really improve anything then?