Callan Pk
Juniors
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Fans Gutted
http://www.macarthurchronicle.com.au/article/2007/10/09/3814_news.html
09Oct07
Wests fans enjoying a day out at Campbelltown Stadium.
WESTS Tigers fans are devastated by the club's decision to host just three home games at Campbelltown Stadium in 2008.
Wests Tigers chief Steve Noyce confirmed the club will play three games at Campbelltown, three at Leichhardt, four at Telstra Stadium and two at the Sydney Cricket Ground to celebrate the centenary of rugby league next year.
Fans and Campbelltown Council, the owners of Campbelltown Stadium had hoped the end of a three-year deal with Telstra Stadium this year would bring more home fixtures to both Campbelltown and Leichhardt in 2008.
The council had been ``led to believe'' there would be up to six home games at Campbelltown in 2008 after the Telstra deal lapsed.
The Wests Tigers board voted on the game breakdown last Thursday.
Wests Tigers fan Kieran Scott said it was getting harder to support the home team when it hardly ever played at home.
"It's disgusting there's still only three games next year," he said. "They can get 18,000 at Campbelltown and only 10,000 at Telstra and they don't come back here for more."
Fellow fan Tracey Moir said the atmosphere at Campbelltown and Leichhardt was better than Telstra.
"It's very disappointing this has happened when we were expecting more home games next year," she said.
Mr Noyce also confirmed no other clubs would use the Sydney Cricket Ground for homeground fixtures next year. "We are aware that both Campbelltown and Leichhardt would like more games but both are in need of upgrades," he said.
"We are assisting in seeking the much needed upgrades at those grounds and this being an election year we are trying to secure that."
Wests Tigers chairman Kevin Hammond said the decision to have four home games at Telstra was based on a recommendation from Wests Tigers management.
"It was not easy and one of those things where people have to take stock of the situation, that rugby league is no longer a sport, but a business," he said.
"There were a lot of factors, the pressure on shareholders to guarantee funding, longevity in business and who pays the bills.
"The venue at Telstra doesn't have the same sort of atmosphere but players love playing there, the facilities are good and provides the club with far more revenue opportunities."
Campbelltown Mayor Aaron Rule said it was very disappointing for the community to miss out on more home games yet again.
Better start targeting shareholders then Hammond, cause youre sure as hell losing ''fans''