This is the best debate I’ve read on the forum for ages. At least there is a minimal amount of name calling, although lots of passionate discussion. I think that’s because each individual has their reasons for attending/not attending games.
My family live near Newcastle, and with a family of small children have attended Sharks games for many years. Although not in “the know” as some on here and possibly not as knowledgeable as some of the game itself, I love wearing my Sharks colours anywhere, but especially to a game.
Having thought a little since this subject was brought up I wondered about have I been to as many games as I used to go to and if not why not. Upon which there are several reasons, upon which most if not all have been posted on here.
Of course distance is difficult. It’s at least a four hour round trip from home. In a sense it was easier with younger children as they would sleep on the way down or on the way home. Trying to be organised I would make pumpkin soup and home made bread rolls and often stop near the river on the way to the ground. On really cold nights you would jump out of the car just long enough to stretch your legs before feeling the cold and eat your soup and wonder how the Sharks would play. The soup would at least help with cost. Food at the game is expensive.
We used to marvel at the ability of Preston Campbell and David Peachy. Of course I adored ET and Mark McGaw, and still cheered the lesser known players with as much enthusiasm as I could muster.
When we signed Chris Anderson as coach and let some of our really exciting players go, I started to drift a little. We lost the X factor and the games were not as exciting as they once were. I always wanted the team to win, but just found myself struggling to get to the games as often and enjoying them as much. It’s not because we were losing or not making the eight. I’ve supported the team through think and thin before, so just winning/losing was not the excuse to whether I went or not. I did start to attend again more regularly after Anderson was gone, but it did take a while to warm to it.
Also it’s been mentioned in this thread that pay TV has made a difference to crowds. I believe it must for all clubs. (Of course I have no statistics to back me up). Some clubs might still manage to pull good crowds when winning, but the Sydney clubs especially if they aren’t winning don’t get as many to games as it’s easier to watch on pay TV. It’s not just winning though; it’s winning in an exciting way. Having been to some games this season, after the Tigers my Husband commented on how hard we were to watch at that time. Winning or losing we were not entertaining. To many supporters it’s more than winning or losing.
Of course there is always the economic cost. My children are mostly grown now and going to the football competes with anything from going to the netball to the WWE. There are only so many dollars to go around. It isn’t cheap to take kids to the football, especially when your middle child won’t support the Sharks. (Surely he can’t really be mine). Also a four hour round trip does not excite my middle and youngest anymore and I understand why. Yet I looked at the calendar as I thought the match against the Eels would be great to go and see, but the Husband and middle child have already bought tickets to Australia against China. League in Sydney has so much to compete against already.
There are many reasons people might not attend. I admire those that do make it every week. I really love to see the guys that were wearing the red wigs to Lance’s last game. It’s wonderful that they turn up every week and those who don’t get dressed up are no less important, but there are many reasons why people cannot go every week. I’m not having a shot at anyone on the forum, just my point of view.
I think the team have turned a corner. We are starting to play a brand of football that people will want to come and watch. If it is attractive more will come.
To those that do go every week. What is your demographic? Single, Married, Kids, No Kids. If you don’t live in the area, how far are you away? Do you ever go one your own?
