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Post by TC Ink on Sept 10, 2008 18:18:45 GMT 10
The official capacity of the Sea Eagles' beloved Brookvale oval is an achievable 23,000 yet the maroon and whites have not managed to pull a crowd of over 20,000 since a Round 25 clash in 2006 against the Bulldogs. Despite multiple "sell outs", heavily promoted derbys and 'crunch games' the Eagles fans have not managed to pull a crowd even near their oval's small capacity.
Thats right, even the 2007 semi final against long time Sydney rivals the Rabbitohs, their first finals appearance in 18 years, fell over 100 people short of the 20k milestone. That game was well and truly sold out, so what happened to the other 3,000 people?
A combination of many things would have contributed, the same things that would affect fans planning to attend any sporting event. But the small capacity means that Brookvale figures are hurt more by these people that obtain tickets but fail to show. The cold 8:30 time slot would have been less than appealing, but that is not Manly's fault and is another story.
Once again this weekend we find ourselves at NRL finals time, again Manly have finished second, again Manly play at their home in Brookvale, again they have a local Sydney opponent and again they have been dudded with the 8:30 Saturday slot. Again it will be a sell out. Is there any reason why it should not be suggested that again Manly will fail to reach 20,000?
Manly are billing this game as a chance for redemption on the flogging that the Dragons delivered to the Eagles in the 2006 Semi Finals (28-0). Will this cement the attendance of 50:50 Manly fans?
Perhaps some forms of initiative should be looked at in these situations. With current proceedures in place, it can be presumed that Manly will definately not get 23,000 to the game, nor will they get 22k and they would be ecstatic with 21k. So presuming that capacity is in fact considered as 23k and that 23k tickets are sold, why not sell an extra 1 or 2 thousand tickets? This would surely fill the gaps left by non-attending ticket holders and we have already determined that there would be no risk of overflow.
Besides, even if this did happen, and then all 25 thousand people with tickets did happen to turn up, we would only be returning to the good old days! The 27,655 attendance record set in 1986 would be within sights!
Eagles' fans should be excited about the developments that Brookvale is eventually going to undertake. With careful planning Brooky could be turned into the best ground for watching footy in Sydney, while increasing the capacity at the same time.
But for now, fans must send out more cries for upgrades, by packing Brookvale to it's absolute limitations this weekend. If the Eagles defeat the Dragons they will proceed through to the Preliminary Final, with the Dragons bowing out. If not, the Eagles will get another chance next week in the Semis.
Author: Tom Carden
Copyright: TC Ink 08 |
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Post by ::Richo:: on Sept 10, 2008 21:17:31 GMT 10
We wont crack 20K but I reckon will get damn close.
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Post by TC Ink on Sept 11, 2008 15:46:25 GMT 10
In response to a question asked by Matt today:
Manly only played the Dragons once this year, it was at Brooky and the Dragons just won 20-18.
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Post by ::Richo:: on Sept 11, 2008 16:43:20 GMT 10
Well I was sorta right, we haven't beaten them this year, i'm not sure that we beat them last year either but i'm not as sure on that.
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Post by TC Ink on Sept 14, 2008 12:23:33 GMT 10
Congrats to Manly on winning, plus also beating the crowd of the Roosters in their OVER 30K CAPACITY STADIUM and also the Sharks crowd.
With the Storm being the only team left to host, Manly are certain to have the highest crowd of the first week of the finals. Good for Manly fans but poor for league, not having one crowd of over 20k in the Finals is not good.
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Post by nickmclachlan on Sept 14, 2008 15:28:46 GMT 10
what was the crowd?
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Post by TC Ink on Sept 14, 2008 15:47:13 GMT 10
19,200
Pretty good
When Brooky gets upgraded it will be awesome.
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