So I think we have been all caught up recently in our own little world, and haven't been looking at what has been happening in the Rugby League world around us.
But Russel Crowe's video message to the Souths membership has got me thinking.
There was a time in the Late 1980's and early 1990's were Souths and Parramatta were not that dissimilar. Both had leagues club refits that took a great deal of money away from their NSWRL/ARL sides, both stayed ARL loyal during the war. But our club seemed to thrive and South's only pick up during the war, from memory was Tim Brassher, and they continued to stay where they were, before they were relegated from the competition.
A number of members on this board, have stated Parramatta's goal should be to be completely self sufficient as a football club. Meaning we completely survive on the playing of football, I have no problem with that what so ever. I like everyone on this board want to see Parramatta thrive into the future by what ever means is possible.
So some questions. We know the leagues club paid over all 6 million dollars for League operations this last year, we could say 2 million of that was for Football Club operations from the financial report and the information to come out of the PDJRL meeting.
That leaves us with a $4 million dollar hole for our NRL team to fill.
How do we fill it? If we look at what other clubs have done, how do we manage this issue.
Something I can say that the fans would like ruled out. We should not chase the money and Play all our games at ANZ stadium, even if it means cutting our hole by 50%.
Sponsorship is great and all, but I would hope we are only focused on increasing the value of our sponsorships and filling the current sponsorship places and not looking to sell every inch of space on the jersey or filling up as much air time during Parramatta Stadium home games. I for one could not stand if we turned into a Newcastle Circa 1999 where every tackle had a sponsor.
So we turn to membership. It was interesting to hear Russell Crowe speak about the need for 15,000 members, an increase of another 7,000 over their goal of 8,000 this year, and that currently they are at 5,7000 members for this year. The interesting part was when he said he needed that many members, and most of them being Season Ticket Holders. That is what got my attention.
15,000 Season Ticket Holders, The Average cost of a season ticket is $215 (just averaging out the 5 price structures). Meaning we would come close at $3,225,000.
That by the way EELS fans is 75% of Parramatta Stadium. People with season ticket would be sitting on 10 Metre lines.
Do you think Parramatta could achieve that?
Do you think Parramatta could maintain that?
I am interested in your thoughts.
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