Sorry we don't reach your lofty standards.
When did this little point come where everyone became self-righteous about Sydney crowds? Why can't we just enjoy good crowds when they happen instead of sit through needless lectures from heady QLDers who think they know better?
Indeed, Mr Mediocre.
Why don't we all just stop trying like you have. What a world.....loser
20k is not a lofty goal at all. It seems pretty reasonable to ask. We've all heard a million reasons why people don't enjoy going to games and the sooner clubs fix it the better. The Bulldogs are well on their way and I can see them averaging 25-30k in a few years which would be awesome. Hopefully other Sydney clubs follow their lead. Titans should be averaging over 20k but I think they've priced themselves out a bit.
You are correct. It most certainly is NOT a lofty goal. Its quite reasonable.
But apparently for our sydney cousins with more than twice the population its TOO HARD!
Come off it.
Its not too hard. If each team had even an extra 5,000 people willing to go each week (on average), that would be so much better. Plus you guys need better stadia.
I am going to come from left-field here but perhaps this is a factor as to why the Melbourne AFL teams draw larger crowds than Sydney NRL sides. Going to a Melbourne teams' AFL game is more of an 'event'- you will be going right into the city, so as well as going to the footy, people make it an event. Go the the game and then to Crown Casino or elsewhere after the final siren. The Melbourne AFL sides all share 3 grounds, but this doesn't appear to bother their fans so much. Why could this be?
Take a look at a map of Melbourne. Find Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne, Footscray and Richmond. I could do a loop on my bike in 20 minutes and pass through all those suburbs. Thus, even though the venue has changed, to the fans the grounds are still located close enough (geographically) to the teams' heartland. With the added bonus that for the fan, it's not just an afternoon/ evening at the footy but a day/ night out afterwards.
Now to you Qlders (especially): get a map of Sydney. Look where Penrith is. Look where Manly is, then find Kogarah, Cronulla and Belmore. They are not just single suburbs in the CBD, but part of districts or mini-cities in themselves. The idea some have bandied around that all the teams should play out of the SFS or ANZ stadium would never work because Sydney NRL fans would feel as if their team had been taken away from their local area altogether.
For this reason, going to the footy in Sydney is less of a night out than in Melbourne or even Brisbane. What is there to do in Homebush after the game? Ditto Campbelltown or Parramatta. When comparing the traditions of Melbourne AFL to Sydney NRL, remember that Melbourne AFL is a game represented by suburbs. Sydney NRL is represented by districts.
Some very good points. Much of why sydney sux for this kind of thing.
BUT HOW SHORT SIGHTED OF YOU! I bet you could have easily made this following extra leap of logic, I am disappointed. You are very bright.
Very well, if not 3 central stadiums...how about this: divide the city up into sections/districts whereby one major stadium should be developed/used to rugby league and only play at those. This would enable all the resources to be placed into those venues only, thus increasing their quality. You, however, may wish to avoid the teams at the extremities such as Penrith. Its a start.
I have previously suggested no more than 3 stadiums, but you could go 4.....I would use sfs, Upgraded Parra (30k+), Homebush, Upgraded kogerah (30k+)
The city really needs a plan for rugby league to straighten things out. I get some people would have to adjust, but its a small price to pay for a great stadium and facilities, and ofcourse better atmosphere.
The SFS needs a direct train link, none of this shuttle bus junk. People want convenience and best-ease of travel. When do you think the shambles that is the govt will get this?
