Misty Bee
First Grade
- Messages
- 7,082
I reckon 40k at Td is minimum, plus an average of 13k at home.
This weekend has to have some bandwagon appeal, and the move to Telstra Dome is the NRL's admission of that. I think 40k will be a strong crowd. An average of 13k at home would put them up with the better Sydney crowd pullers, given that their gate wouldn't swell with away fans.
This weekend, any more than 50k will signal that the event theory holds true, and that Storm's appeal in Melbourne only comes with the big finals games. Thus, a large percentage of 'couldn't give a rats arse about attending Storm home games' people will attend.
conversely, the code has struggled to fill the big stadiums, bar of course 1994 (was it) with the 87k MCG Origin gate.
Ther is still a huge anty League sentiment in melboring. Given that crowds feel free to attend Bledisloe/soccer etc games in bigger nimbers, the NRL still has some prejudice to overcome.
In building support, the average home crowd figure is the one to build. The Sqwans/Lions experience shows their local event appeal, while not transferring into stats at home games or on TV. Melbourne have to grow ground roots support, and this is best served by generating interest, holding home finals, and encouraging the League to host some regular big League events. The GB world cup game next year is well scheduled.
There is no doubt that on field, the club has done it's very best. They should reap rewards by wearing down AFL paranioa.
This weekend has to have some bandwagon appeal, and the move to Telstra Dome is the NRL's admission of that. I think 40k will be a strong crowd. An average of 13k at home would put them up with the better Sydney crowd pullers, given that their gate wouldn't swell with away fans.
This weekend, any more than 50k will signal that the event theory holds true, and that Storm's appeal in Melbourne only comes with the big finals games. Thus, a large percentage of 'couldn't give a rats arse about attending Storm home games' people will attend.
conversely, the code has struggled to fill the big stadiums, bar of course 1994 (was it) with the 87k MCG Origin gate.
Ther is still a huge anty League sentiment in melboring. Given that crowds feel free to attend Bledisloe/soccer etc games in bigger nimbers, the NRL still has some prejudice to overcome.
In building support, the average home crowd figure is the one to build. The Sqwans/Lions experience shows their local event appeal, while not transferring into stats at home games or on TV. Melbourne have to grow ground roots support, and this is best served by generating interest, holding home finals, and encouraging the League to host some regular big League events. The GB world cup game next year is well scheduled.
There is no doubt that on field, the club has done it's very best. They should reap rewards by wearing down AFL paranioa.