Being an SFS member, I've been to quite a few league games there. In days past, the experience was the same, but now the league experience is far better. There are the bare minimum of facilities open for rugby, no doubt because of the small crowds. I assume our lack of crowds also puts us in a very weak position when trying to negotiate with the Trust.
Our crowds are less than Sydney FC, who had 42,000 for their match against WSW!
I realise that the NSWRU don't have much money and the sharp decline in crowds has hit them hard, but the crowds aren't just going to come back without some promotion. All of us on these threads know when the games are on, but if you aren't a committed follower, the games are almost a secret.
The team has played a much better and more successful style in the past 2 years, but the crowds haven't come back. This would suggest that the NSWRU have to do something to get the back. Free membership for kids is a good start, but the games have to be advertised, marketed and promoted. Pretty much the only promotion I've seen all year are photos of a few of the players with Easter Island type expressions on their faces on the back of cabs.
If they don't outlay some money on FTA advertising for 2 or 3 days before each game, showing some try-scoring, hard running and hard defence I can't see how crowds are going to change at all.
Lets look at the evidence:
Team is playing positive rugby
Games so far have been played Friday nights, Saturday nights & Sunday afternoon
Weather for most games has been perfect
Crowds have barely moved above or below 15,000
