Game Day Management at the SFS
I have been an opponent of the Twit on the PA "NEW ......SOUTH....WALES" and the what appears to be compulsory live band as well as a DJ to fill in those quiet periods.
It is possibly part of our culture that there must be something noisy going on at all times. Silence is not seen as a time where people are perhaps reflecting or thinking, but a time where there must be noise generated to keep the punters thought processes "on message" as it were. Can't have individual thoughts now can we.
Anyhoo, the only way to defeat them is to continually make more noise spontaneously, think Barmy Army chants, Welsh singing, Argie raucousness, etc. If we can't be bothered making the necessary noise as a crowd, then I guess we get what we deserve, and the game day managers will continue to fill the stadia with their own noise if the crowds are not doing so. Up to us in the end.
Regarding singers and Bands at the Footy. If I wanted to hear a band or live music, I'd go to a live music venue, and when I am there I don't expect to see the footy on a big screen.
I don't know how much they pay these "entertainers" at the rugby, but if it isn't unpaid volunteer work than IMHO they are taking money that could be spent on the Grass Roots.
Apart from the Music and the PA Bloke (and fortunately he only fired up once IIRC), I think the rest of the game day stuff yesterday was pretty well handled.
The half time mini rugby is awesome, but the bloody singer took all the attention away from the little'uns running around.
Playing at half time at the SFS for these kids is as important to them as if they were personally in a RWC final - a kiddy bucket list thing. This stuff keeps kids (and families involved in Heavensgame) and there should be more of it.
Crowd numbers were a little disappointing, but using the “If you build it, they will come” philosophy, word will spread that the boys are playing better, more entertaining footy, and winning a few tight games. The fickle Sydneysiders will come.