End nears for suburban NRL grounds

[elbusto]

The future of rugby league is television not people going to the game. Destroying the
fabric of league in Sydney to increase crowds? An interesting and irreversible experiment.

Slightly contradictory statement there Crazy.

In the 21st Century people expect more than what Leichardt provides these days.

Sad but true. I spent over $1500 flying over to watch that game. I would not bother going there again.

 

[newman]

I took my wife to watch Tigers v Roosters at Leichardt in 2011 on a Saturday night. Yes it is steeped in tradition and atmosphere buit it was bloody freezing standing on the hill, it was pouring with rain - no cover. The Hill had parts roped off because they were too slippery to stand on and the only other good bits were that we (Tigers) won and the beers were $5.

I am sorry, but that is not the future for Rugby League. That has to be the past.

I've been to LO 3 times and the only issue for mine was how hard it was to get a beer (lines were beyond intense) and the lack of something decent to eat ( I got there late once and was lee marvin)... These issues can be easily fixed with better management.

If you are organised, you can get public transport, eat a good meal in a local pub, smash six cold schooners and have a great day out.

Parking sucks but catch the light rail or a bus. It would be a shame to lose this ground forever.

 

[newman]

Slightly contradictory statement there Crazy.

In the 21st Century people expect more than what Leichardt provides these days.

Sad but true. I spent over $1500 flying over to watch that game. I would not bother going there again.

The rustic nature of LO is well documented. What did you expect?And you were cold, sounds to me like you were ill prepared for a night outside, thats not the grounds fault. If they do de-commish Leichhardt in 20 years time you will be bragging about it to your kids.

 

[CrazyTiger]

Slightly contradictory statement there Crazy.

In the 21st Century people expect more than what Leichardt provides these days.

Sad but true. I spent over $1500 flying over to watch that game. I would not bother going there again.

It isn't contradictory. If you coalesce the nine teams into 4 or 5 you may get a few more
through the gate, but you likely find that people will walk from the game on mass. More
people through the gate may provide the illusion of higher crowds but it won't fool
the TV execs when people stop watching. The gamble is that people love the game over
and above tribalism/love of team.

Hey, I'm as biased as you will get. Maybe Sydney will embrace all new teams and people
will learn to love them and not go off to follow the many other sports on offer. Hell
of a gamble IMO. Whatever will be will be and for me personally, I will find something
else to do.

PS: Tailoring the game for people who spend 1500 bucks to get there is probably unwise.
Most of us are of more moderate means and have more moderate interest.

 

[CrazyTiger]

I've been to LO 3 times and the only issue for mine was how hard it was to get a beer (lines were beyond intense) and the lack of something decent to eat ( I got there late once and was lee marvin)... These issues can be easily fixed with better management.

If you are organised, you can get public transport, eat a good meal in a local pub, smash six cold schooners and have a great day out.

Parking sucks but catch the light rail or a bus. It would be a shame to lose this ground forever.

Only six? Even I had more respect for Cronulla supporters than that!

 

[elbusto]

The rustic nature of LO is well documented. What did you expect?And you were cold, sounds to me like you were ill prepared for a night outside, thats not the grounds fault. If they do de-commish Leichhardt in 20 years time you will be bragging about it to your kids.

Cold is cold mate. If you are at Allianz cold can be better managed. Not at LO with the wind and rain blowing in your face and nowhere to run or hide.

I have nothing but respect for the tradition of old grounds but the fact is people expect better these days IMHO.

 

[elbusto]

It isn't contradictory. If you coalesce the nine teams into 4 or 5 you may get a few more
through the gate, but you likely find that people will walk from the game on mass. More
people through the gate may provide the illusion of higher crowds but it won't fool
the TV execs when people stop watching. The gamble is that people love the game over
and above tribalism/love of team.

Hey, I'm as biased as you will get. Maybe Sydney will embrace all new teams and people
will learn to love them and not go off to follow the many other sports on offer. Hell
of a gamble IMO. Whatever will be will be and for me personally, I will find something
else to do.

PS: Tailoring the game for people who spend 1500 bucks to get there is probably unwise.
Most of us are of more moderate means and have more moderate interest.

I am not actualy opposed to your viewl. I am just not sure it is sustainable into the future that is all.

 

[elbusto]

I've been to LO 3 times and the only issue for mine was how hard it was to get a beer (lines were beyond intense) and the lack of something decent to eat ( I got there late once and was lee marvin)... These issues can be easily fixed with better management.

If you are organised, you can get public transport, eat a good meal in a local pub, smash six cold schooners and have a great day out.

Parking sucks but catch the light rail or a bus. It would be a shame to lose this ground forever.

I sneaked in ten cans during the game to my wife's amusement. I am very good at getting in a queue at precisley the right monment!!!:lol::lol::lol:

 

[Lockyer4President!]

Leichhardt has most of the important stuff already done.

Lighting, Corporate facilities, Designated Seating is being installed in replacement of benches the length of the Eastern side.

The issues that remain for the club are Large Screen Hire, Lack of permanent facilities on the Eastern hill and parking.

It is completely feesible for at least the next ten years

It's plausible that Wests will be averaging crowds 25'000-30'000 inside of ten years. Could Leichhardt realistically handle that increase with no more major upgrades?

 

[Lockyer4President!]

If Western Sydney gets a 40000 seat stadium built I feel the decentralisation of Stadiums could work. If that stadium is in Campbelltown that would be amazing for the Tigers, though to be honest that is not the best location for the entire NRL or the community. A stadium at Blacktown or possibly Liverpool would be better. Wests Tigers playing the majority of games out of that stadium with lower drawing games at Campbelltown and to a lesser extend, Leichardt (while it is still a viable option) would be ideal in my opinion.

In the article it talks about a second-tier stadium for western sydney, which to me rules out a new stadium or a capacity of 40'000.

More seats at Parra to bring the capacity to 30'000 or so would be my best guess.

 

[Lockyer4President!]

http://m.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sun-setting-on-suburban-stadiums-20121208-2b27q.html

SMH story similar to the DT, Manly meeting next week about Brookie

However, Fairfax Media understands the committee is planning to approach the ARLC in the hope the commission will lobby governments for funds on its behalf. Another option is [for Brookie] to attempt to come under the Venues NSW umbrella, following the lead of WIN, Parramatta and Hunter stadiums. Meetings have been set up with the NSW Treasurer, Michael Baird, also the local member for Manly, and Annesley in January.

This is a very good idea, wonder if it has any legs?

 

[newman]

Cold is cold mate. If you are at Allianz cold can be better managed. Not at LO with the wind and rain blowing in your face and nowhere to run or hide.

I have nothing but respect for the tradition of old grounds but the fact is people expect better these days IMHO.

Last time I went (rd 1 last year v sharks) I nearly perished from heat exhaustion (and so did the players). I still think its a bit petulant to fly interstate, drop some big coin and not sit undercover when going to LO, then blame the venue that you got wet. You do realise vast swathes of SFS and ANZ are not undercover?

 

[elbusto]

Last time I went (rd 1 last year v sharks) I nearly perished from heat exhaustion (and so did the players). I still think its a bit petulant to fly interstate, drop some big coin and not sit undercover when going to LO, then blame the venue that you got wet. You do realise vast swathes of SFS and ANZ are not undercover?

I was a member and stupidly expected that meant my wife and I would get a seat. Live and learn!

 

[elbusto]

And yes I am aware of the situation at Alianz and ANZ. But its better than slipping down a hill in the mud.

 

[Loudstrat]

I took my wife to watch Tigers v Roosters at Leichardt in 2011 on a Saturday night. Yes it is steeped in tradition and atmosphere buit it was bloody freezing standing on the hill, it was pouring with rain - no cover.

I have had exactly rhat experience at ANZ at Hunter in the Andrew John Stand concourse. Unless you are playing inside an aircraft hangar, you will be exposed to the elements to some degree.

Cold is cold mate. If you are at Allianz cold can be better managed. Not at LO with the wind and rain blowing in your face and nowhere to run or hide.

Bullsh*t. How can a modern stadium manage the f*cking weather? Does the wind and rain not blow in your face in a stadium? Unless you are directly under a roof, you will cop rain. You are liable to cop wind anywhere that isnt indoors, an no way you can control temperature.

This year, Of all the grounds that held 4 or more games, Leichhart got a better average for every ground apart from ANZ, Lang Park and Hunter. It beat the SFS by 1000 people per match.

When there is clear evidence that crowds are staying away because of facilities, OR it becomes too expensive, THEN it's time to look elsewhere.

 

[elbusto]

I have had exactly rhat experience at ANZ at Hunter in the Andrew John Stand concourse. Unless you are playing inside an aircraft hangar, you will be exposed to the elements to some degree.


Bullsh*t. How can a modern stadium manage the f*cking weather? Does the wind and rain not blow in your face in a stadium? Unless you are directly under a roof, you will cop rain. You are liable to cop wind anywhere that isnt indoors, an no way you can control temperature.

This year, Of all the grounds that held 4 or more games, Leichhart got a better average for every ground apart from ANZ, Lang Park and Hunter. It beat the SFS by 1000 people per match.

When there is clear evidence that crowds are staying away because of facilities, OR it becomes too expensive, THEN it's time to look elsewhere.

So a muddy hill in a completely exposed area is the same as sitting in an all purpose stadium?

Simple things like going for a piss without slipping over, going for a piss and getting your spot back; you name it, Allianz is a better spot than Leichardt for a quality experience.

And the SFS has the Roosters FFS! What do you expect?

Look I am not against suburban grounds per se. I am simply pointing out they have a limited future in the 21st century.

Lets see who is right in ten years. People expect quality for their dollars these days.

 

[Loudstrat]

You didnt whinge about slipping over in the mud. You whinged about being exposed to the weather.

Sure, sitting on the hill in the rain is a crap experience in Sydney. My point though is that Leichhardt serves a greater purpose - as evidenced by their crowds. Demographically, Leichhardt's closure wont cause too much suffering as it is close to SFS/ANZ. However the other grounds are different.

And your point about teh Roosters at SFS proves MY point. Dont the Roosters play other teams, like Cronulla, Manly, Saints, Penrith, Wests, Souths, Canterbury, Parra? Are you saying that these away teams fans dont travel to the SFS? What's that tell ya!!!!!!!!

 

[gallagher]

. My point though is that Leichhardt serves a greater purpose - as evidenced by their crowds.

Tigers crowds at SFS and Homebush average much higher than at Leichhardt. You're comparing tigers crowds to rooster crowds.

Going to bigger stadiums wont be the best decision for all clubs but it will be for the tigers.

 

[CrazyTiger]

So a muddy hill in a completely exposed area is the same as sitting in an all purpose stadium?

Simple things like going for a piss without slipping over, going for a piss and getting your spot back; you name it, Allianz is a better spot than Leichardt for a quality experience.

And the SFS has the Roosters FFS! What do you expect?

Look I am not against suburban grounds per se. I am simply pointing out they have a limited future in the 21st century.

Lets see who is right in ten years. People expect quality for their dollars these days.

Your distaste for Leichardt is fine. On the other hand I really enjoy it. Who is right and who
is wrong? Neither. What matters is what the majority want to do and at the moment the
majority seems in favour of Leichardt.

If you want to watch a game in absolute comfort get yourself a big screen TV and
and a comfy Lounge chair, fill your fridge with beer and your pantry with snacks.
If you go to the game you go for atmosphere not comfort.

A move away from suburban grounds is a vote for a sterile game. ANZ stadium provides
nothing more than Leichardt IMO. You wouldn't feed the food to a dog and you are so
far from the game you watch half of it on the screen anyway. It is a recipe for disaster.

 

[CrazyTiger]

Tigers crowds at SFS and Homebush average much higher than at Leichhardt. You're comparing tigers crowds to rooster crowds.

Going to bigger stadiums wont be the best decision for all clubs but it will be for the tigers.

When half the Sydney teams collapse because you force them to play miles from their
attending supporter base it won't be good for the Tigers. It will more likely mean
four conferences.