Dragons draw for Kogarah

[Willow]

From the official site:

<table align=center border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=5> <tbody> <tr> <td width=550>Dragons Release Draw for Home Games</td></tr> <tr> <td width=550>12 December 2002
WIN Stadium will host the first two Dragons home games of the 2003 Telstra Premiership season, while Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, will celebrate its return to the NRL with the local derby against the Sharks in the third home game. St George Illawarra Dragons chief executive Peter Doust today announced the club’s home game venues for next season and said the draw had worked out well for both venues with excellent opening matches and a good split of opponents. “A number of parties were consulted for their input into the draw and there were also many factors to be considered such as other key events in Wollongong and Sydney; when the Sharks were at home; refurbishments at Kogarah; broadcasting needs and other external issues,” Doust said. “We are very happy with the end result which sees both of our key communities hosting feature matches. Tickets for both venues have been selling well and another surge in interest is expected now that the venues have been finalised.” The Dragons will play the Eels and Sea Eagles in their first two home games at WIN Stadium in rounds 2 (March 21-23) and 5 (April 11-13) and the Sharks at Kogarah in round 8 (May 2-4). The Dragons last played at Kogarah in 1999, but incredible support from the community, Red V members, the Local Council and State Government sees them return for five matches next season. The other Kogarah games will be: Cowboys (rnd 12, May 30-June 1); Broncos (rnd 17, July 4-6); Raiders (rnd 18, July 11-13); and Warriors (rnd 22, Aug 8-10). The other matches at WIN Stadium include: Bulldogs (rnd 10, May 17-18); Rabbitohs (rnd 15, June 20-22); Panthers (rnd 21, Aug 1-3); Storm (rnd 24, Aug 22-24); and Knights (rnd 25, Aug 29-31).</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table border=1 bordercolor=#000000 cellpadding=1 cellspacing=1> <tbody> <tr> <td align=middle> RND</td> <td align=middle> DATE</td> <td>OPPOSITION</td> <td> VENUE</td></tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Mar 21-23</td> <td>Eels</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Apr 11-13</td> <td>Eagles</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>May 2-4</td> <td>Sharks</td> <td>Kogarah</td></tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>May 17-18</td> <td>Bulldogs</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>12</td> <td>May 30-June 1</td> <td>Cowboys</td> <td>Kogarah</td></tr> <tr> <td>15</td> <td>June 20-22</td> <td>Souths</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>17</td> <td>July 4-6</td> <td>Broncos</td> <td>Kogarah</td></tr> <tr> <td>18</td> <td>July 11-13</td> <td>Raiders</td> <td>Kogarah</td></tr> <tr> <td>21</td> <td>Aug 1-3</td> <td>Panthers</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>22</td> <td>Aug 8-10</td> <td>Warriors</td> <td>Kogarah</td></tr> <tr> <td>24</td> <td>Aug 22-24</td> <td>Storm</td> <td>WIN</td></tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>Aug 29-31</td> <td>Newcastle</td> <td>WIN</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[imported_Clan McLean]

What do you make of it Willow? I would have preferred another Sydney team in Kogarah's 5 but Brisbane, Canberra and Auckland have usually attracted good crowds at Kogarah. The main thing is that we're back and there is no good reason why we shouldn't get 15,000 to each of these games. I would hope that 2004 sees more balance with Sydney &amp; interstate teams after the funding and improvements have been finalised.

So are you making the trip for all 5 Willow?

 

[Willow]

I don't know how they decide these things Clan.
I understand that the club was reluctant to have Cnaterbury supporters there while the place was being re-settled. Not sure if that was a real factor though.
Its true that a Souths match might have been better but thats ok. It'll still be packed.

We have some good games there. v Sharks will go 15,000+ and we always draw well against the Broncos. The Warriors are grand finalists and we gave their arses a whack in Auckland so it has a lot of appeal. And the Cowboys usually cop a hiding in Sydney so it'll be good to go along and hope the trend continues. The onlygame that might see a slight drop in numbers will be the Raiders match.. although personally I have good memories of watching them at Kogarah... so we'll see.

I'm just pleased to see us playing there. I would have settled for one game in 2003 just to get a foot in the door. The obvious aim now is to get back that sixth game so its truly 50/50.

I'm planning to go to every match... get up on the frequent flyers. I understand that the firstgame is sold out so I'm trying to wrangle entry somehow. I told Stone that I'd jump the fence if neccessary.

 

[imported_dragonlady2411]

Willow, I don't think any tickets would have been sold to 2003 games - the only ones at the moment would be Kogarah season ticket holders. If you're planning on going to the 5 Kogarah games, why not purchase a Kogarah general admission pass? Then you'd be assured of entry and would also get the Red V benefits.
Just a suggestion, as it's only a guess that no game tickets for '03 have been sold.