West Coast Pirates Bid News

[dimitri]

They didn't really fail...they were sacraficed for News Ltd...

Yes true!

they didnt fail at all really. like other teams that were sacraficed at the time - 2nd brisbane, Gold Coast etc.

You could say eams that had failed remained due to super league/reunification politics.

 

[Perth Red]

I don't think you can judge anything by 95-98 for any team, it was such a screwed up time for the game. There were some lessons to be learned from the last Reds for sure and I am confidnet they will have been learnt and will be addressed.

Thanks supera, I'm just a die hard RL fan that dreams of one day spending my weekends screaming for my own team again (and is willing to make an effort to play my part to make it happen) Get yourself a membership, all support welcome!

 

[Saint Doc]

i've maintained all along that I think CC Bears and Ipswich-Logan should be the next two teams, because I just don't see the value in retrying a franchise in the same market that has already failed once.

If you're going to argue that Perth "failed" you could just as easily argue that central coast (northern eagles) and a second brissy/qld team at Lang park (Sth qld crushers) have also "failed"

 

[BDGS]

Northern Eagles were not a Central Coast Club, they just played out of there.

 

[LeagueXIII]

thanks for that update perth red. your enthusiasm is infectious mate, you're starting to make me a believer. i've maintained all along that I think CC Bears and Ipswich-Logan should be the next two teams, because I just don't see the value in retrying a franchise in the same market that has already failed once.

but i take it all back perth red, you're making me a believer. i'm tempted to get on board with the membership, i want a reds cap

Where did you stand on Gold Coast's re-entry? In their initial period they were complete basket cases.

 

[LeagueXIII]

Perth Red, where is the stadium situated in Perth.

Is it a better position to draw crowds than the WACA?

 

[Perth Red]

it did take the GC numerous attempts! Hopefully 2nd time lucky for us.

 

[andrew057]

Perth Red, whats the latest with the bid? I havent seen much in the media lately.

 

[BDGS]

Perth Red, whats the latest with the bid? I havent seen much in the media lately.

here

Bid Update:

Just thought (as a couple have asked) that I'd do a quick update on what I know of our bid progress:

1. Memberships
New (and much improved) membership packages launched end of 2010. A wide range of options provides great flexibility for fans of the game to get behind the bid. Aiming for 5000 by end of 2011 and 10,000 ticketed by 2013 kick off.
http://www.warugbyleague.com.au/data/client/files/1320_wa_reds_membership_packages_2011.pdf

2. Ground
Govt announced in early 2010 that NIB stadium would get an $82million upgrade with the creation of a new stand and other improvements. Money allocated in budget so will definately happen. End of 2010 Govt bought out the ground lease from Town of Vincent for $20mill to progress development. Capacity will increase to 25,000 with much improved corporate boxes. Work due to commence 2011-2012 and be completed 2013. Feasibility study being undertaken to spend a further $160million to improve other stands.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/7898894/govt-to-take-control-of-nib-stadium/

3. Jnr development
Wa reds will once again run a SG Ball side during 2011. Jnr programmes across the State continue to be improved and numbers increasing. Targetting schools with good success. http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2043-0-0-0

4. Corporate Support
The WA Reds have attracted over 20 sponsors for the bid/ SG Ball team inc one of the original main corporate supporters from the Western Reds days, Cash Convertors with a $300k deal. Rumours of interested backers keep rumbling.
http://www.waredsrugbyleague.com.au...e-major-sponsor&catid=37:reds-news&Itemid=212

5. Value of a Perth Team
WARL have commisioned reports that showed the value of a Perth team to TV rights and also the value of having an NRL Perth team to the State coffers. Approach made to WA Govt for $300k grant to support the bid development, not sure of outcome.
Late 2010 NRL clubs and NRL CEO back admission of a Perth team.

6. Fanbase
Encouraging attendances at one off NRL games during 2009 & 2010
Report by WARL showed strong support in Perth for a NRL team with many younger people expressing an interest in supporting them.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/other/8228990/full-steam-ahead-for-wa-league-campaign/
Majority of fans on this website back a Perth teams admission, if reflective of the NRL fanbase as a whole there is clear support from RL for a Perth team
Red Army Supporters Group being developed. Providing an independent voice for RL fans in the West as well as passionate support for the WA Reds home and away the Red Army will soon be on the march!
WA economy about to boom again and population will swell significantly, especially from Q'land and NSW mining (RL ) communities boosting further the fanbase for NRL in the State.
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/another-skills-shortage-looms-as-wa-booms-20100111-m211.html

So there you have it, things are progressing well. The submission report will be ready for when the NRL decide its time to announce calls for expansion and in the mean time for all the latest news on our bid development join our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=6833492366

 

[Perth Red]

Perth Red, where is the stadium situated in Perth.

Is it a better position to draw crowds than the WACA?

yes 100% better. one of the failings of the first attempt was the WACA was just about the worse ground to watch RL at. They also got tied into a contract that was hugely expensive.

NIB is within walking distance of the city centre/Northbridge nightlife area. Reasonable train services near by, parking do able and the stands are right on top of the action. It also has an English style end terrace "The Shed" which is somewhat unique and creates a great atmosphere. It is also a lovely ground on a nice night as the city is lit up behind and so quite scenic in its own way. It needs upgrading, especially corporate boxes and more sheltered seating but the new stand will sort that out ready for 2013.

 

[Perth Red]

Perth Red, whats the latest with the bid? I havent seen much in the media lately.

yeh what BDGS said!

The bid team have been away on Xmas leave and just getting back. i am meeting shortly with them so will let you know of any new stuff. Much focus is on our SG Ball side which kicks off in a few weeks, lots of organising and stuff for them.

In all honesty the only thing left for us to do is push memberships, keep working on the corporates (which i doubt we will hear much about until deals are signed) and make sure the submission document is all put together. Not alot more than that we can do. Stadium is sorted out, Govt is behind us, NRL are fully informed of where we are at, membership packs are available, what else can we do?

 

[BDGS]

yeh what BDGS said!

The bid team have been away on Xmas leave and just getting back. i am meeting shortly with them so will let you know of any new stuff. Much focus is on our SG Ball side which kicks off in a few weeks, lots of organising and stuff for them.

In all honesty the only thing left for us to do is push memberships, keep working on the corporates (which i doubt we will hear much about until deals are signed) and make sure the submission document is all put together. Not alot more than that we can do. Stadium is sorted out, Govt is behind us, NRL are fully informed of where we are at, membership packs are available, what else can we do?

Membership rallies and pushes?

At soccer games etc?

 

[Perth Red]

bit of a different situation here than Gosford, I don't think we would get much of a response "off the street" so to speak and I very much doubt Perth Glory would be too happy about a rival club spruiking memberships at their games! Targetting WARL games, SG Ball crowds and a massive push at the NRL game in June will be far more productive. Sadly we lost the trial game which would have been the perfect opportunity to sign up a few thousand. Our marketing needs to be far more strategic and focussed due to a need to reach a smaller more specific population group. Having said that I would like to see The West and Sunday times get on board and start backing us the same way they did the Force bid. Something the Red Army certainly intends to be pressuring them on!

 

[RedVee]

Are AFL types hostile to the prospect of the Reds returning?

 

[BDGS]

bit of a different situation here than Gosford, I don't think we would get much of a response "off the street" so to speak and I very much doubt Perth Glory would be too happy about a rival club spruiking memberships at their games! Targetting WARL games, SG Ball crowds and a massive push at the NRL game in June will be far more productive. Sadly we lost the trial game which would have been the perfect opportunity to sign up a few thousand. Our marketing needs to be far more strategic and focussed due to a need to reach a smaller more specific population group. Having said that I would like to see The West and Sunday times get on board and start backing us the same way they did the Force bid. Something the Red Army certainly intends to be pressuring them on!

Keep up the good work :thumn:f:

Are AFL types hostile to the prospect of the Reds returning?

From what i can gather it seems like some of the Union Supporters are (not all). It's one of the only places Union would be a higher sport then League in Australia. Think of the other teams. QLD Reds - Broncos are bigger NSW Waratahs - take your pick of famous Sydney NRL clubs. Melb Rebels - up against the Melbourne Storm who has a 13 yr head start ACT Brumbies - Canberra Raiders play more and of course their population is nothing really.

League junior numbers are 3% behind Unions and that is without a team, throw in the WA Reds and watch League pass Union in another area imo.

 

[Perth Red]

Mixed I'd say. Some will be, see RL as a threat, don;t like the game, etc (like alot of fans on here to AFL I guess!). But we dont have the rivallary with Sydney like Melbourne does and I think that fuels the AFL v NRL rivallary as much as anything. I am sure some will think its a good thing for the city, some may be casual fans and hopefully some will convert in time. Talking around the water cooler I get the sense people in perth are more open to other sports and just enjoy watching Perth teams whatever the game.

 

[Swamp]

Are AFL types hostile to the prospect of the Reds returning?

From what I have heard both the Eagles & Dockers have been quite supportive.

 

[andrew057]

yeh what BDGS said!

The bid team have been away on Xmas leave and just getting back. i am meeting shortly with them so will let you know of any new stuff. Much focus is on our SG Ball side which kicks off in a few weeks, lots of organising and stuff for them.

In all honesty the only thing left for us to do is push memberships, keep working on the corporates (which i doubt we will hear much about until deals are signed) and make sure the submission document is all put together. Not alot more than that we can do. Stadium is sorted out, Govt is behind us, NRL are fully informed of where we are at, membership packs are available, what else can we do?

Thanks. Look forward to seeing the progress throughout the year.

 

[andrew057]

From what I have heard both the Eagles & Dockers have been quite supportive.

What have you heard?

 

[Perth Red]

From what i can gather it seems like some of the Union Supporters are (not all). It's one of the only places Union would be a higher sport then League in Australia. Think of the other teams. QLD Reds - Broncos are bigger NSW Waratahs - take your pick of famous Sydney NRL clubs. Melb Rebels - up against the Melbourne Storm who has a 13 yr head start ACT Brumbies - Canberra Raiders play more and of course their population is nothing really.

League junior numbers are 3% behind Unions and that is without a team, throw in the WA Reds and watch League pass Union in another area imo.

That is the thing that annoys me the most! I have a real dislike of RU (due to the way it has treat RL in Europe over the last 100 years) if we hadn;t got rid of the Reds there is no way the WARU would be in the strong position it is in now. We gifted them a free ride in Perth and its been at the expense of RL. An example, the WA Govt has built them a centre of excellence and training ground, if the Reds had still been in the NRL since '95 it would have been us getting that Govt support. We have ground to reclaim on RU and I am confident we will, we have the bigger and better game after all. For all the Sth Africans in perth there are more Maoris, Q'landers and NSWelshmen.