SANFL Crowds ... Will it receive Media Coverage?

[PhilH]

Thought I would share some great figures re SANFL crowds so far in 2010.

- Almost 17,500 to the games on the weekend. No crowd under 3,000

- Per game average up over 500 per game over same time in 2009. ( up 15% )

- As at same stage of the season (End of Rd 5) SANFL crowds at their highest since 2002.

- 2010 - 3782 per game

- 2009 - 3279 per game

- 2008 - 3506 per game

- 2007 - 3348 per game

- 2006 - 3490 per game

- 2005 - 3213 per game

- 2004 - 3554 per game

- 2003 - 3627 per game

- 2002 - 3872 per game

[Sojourner]

I am fairly certain West Adelaide hosting matches at night at Richmond has had a very positive effect on crowd numbers to round 5, their decision to move the Port vs West game to a night match may well increase the numbers again by the average.

Leaves it an interesting point for those clubs that are not accessing night football games as home games what could be done in this area, I think the trend is well and truly starting to show that night football is the future of the SANFL moving forward.

[blueandwhite]

Pretty interesting stats Phil.
It seems that night footy is without question a winner, when programmed at the right time of the year- no doubt.
The other factor effecting sanfl crowds, believe it or not may be the insipid form or a certain AFL side....?

[PhilH]

It's a bit early for a club by club breakdown but sourjourner your point re Westies and night footy is spot on.

The Bloods success I think has placed a bit more incentive for South and Glenelg to move things along.

Personally unless the Crows / Power are on Friday Night their should be a SANFL game underlights Friday Night (Richmond, Norwood, Glenelg, Thebarton, Adelaide) for the first 8-10 rounds of the season with South & Central playing an odd Saturday night game as well.

Westies Crowd Figures @ City Mazda Stadium
2009 - 9 home games - 17,282 avg 1,920 per game
2010 - 3 home games - 14,181 avg 4,727 per game

[Dirko]

I thought there were only 2884 at Prospect on Saturday ?

[PhilH]

SJABC ... you are correct ... and I stand corrected

Not many times a Noarlunga game will outdraw one at Prospect.

[Mr Irate]

I'm starting to wonder if the numbers are just made up.....

2884 at Prospect, 4884 at Elizabeth , does the SANFL have a random number generator (a poor one at that)....is the 84 made up of both sides league and reserves

Who actually gets included in these numbers, is this paying only ?, looked alot more than 4884 at Elizabeth on Sunday and I've never seen anyone count me as I pass through from the club with my season pass......

[MightyEagles]

I'm starting to wonder if the numbers are just made up.....

2884 at Prospect, 4884 at Elizabeth , does the SANFL have a random number generator (a poor one at that)....is the 84 made up of both sides league and reserves

Who actually gets included in these numbers, is this paying only ?, looked alot more than 4884 at Elizabeth on Sunday and I've never seen anyone count me as I pass through from the club with my season pass......

I think there is something dodgy. I've been to games where the juniors are playing in the triple headers at say 8.30 and I was not counted as there was no one at the gates.

[SANFLnut]

Westies Crowd Figures @ City Mazda Stadium
2009 - 9 home games - 17,282 avg 1,920 per game
2010 - 3 home games - 14,181 avg 4,727 per game

Go the Bloods!! Idea for the admin powers at Richmond - How about a free 2011 membership for the 3,101st person to come through the gate next home game and therefore break last season's record!! Could be a super promotion to get even more there.

[devilsadvocate]

I am fairly certain West Adelaide hosting matches at night at Richmond has had a very positive effect on crowd numbers to round 5, their decision to move the Port vs West game to a night match may well increase the numbers again by the average.

Leaves it an interesting point for those clubs that are not accessing night football games as home games what could be done in this area, I think the trend is well and truly starting to show that night football is the future of the SANFL moving forward.

100% agree. Night footy is the way forward.

I actually think it can be extended to grass roots footy too. From my club's experience, night games are far more popular with the players and we generally get a far bigger crowd.

I'd put the caveat on that call that June, July, August is probably not suitable for night footy at many grounds. But certainly March, April, May and even September (with the exception of the GF) are primed for night games.

[Wedgie]

The SANFL dont release media releases like they used to so if anything is in the media be happy with it.

[Dogsbody]

Current season aggregate is just over 75000 after just five rounds.

Bloody great, innit?

[arthur5038]

SANFL crowds did receive coverage in this weeks Sportsbeat.

Still waiting for a mention on Rucci's Roast ....

or is one poorly behaved central supporter more important to cover
than the 10,000 extra fans that have come out so far?

[Hopeful Jelly]

Personally unless the Crows / Power are on Friday Night their should be a SANFL game underlights Friday Night (Richmond, Norwood, Glenelg, Thebarton, Adelaide) for the first 8-10 rounds of the season with South & Central playing an odd Saturday night game as well.

Yes I agree. At least one night game each week until about the end of May with each team playing at least one night game. This should get new people interested that don't normally attend on a weekend afternoon. Hopefully some of these will like what they see and start attending more afternoon games during Winter.

The last few rounds before finals should also have at least one night game each week when the weather is on the improve, getting people interested before the finals.

[mighty_tiger_79]

Using this years draw as a guide

I would have a friday night game upto round 7 where it didnt clash with the crows

Where possible finish the season off with the last 4 rounds having a night game

I would also like to see double-headers - a twilight fixture and then a night game.

[Mickyj]

PhilH with this being the best start by the Eagles since 2004.what are the Eagles crowds like so far this year ?

[PhilH]

In a nutshell the Eagles crowds are up but not to the extent of some others. (With 4 games of 20 played still early days).
Home Crowds up 12% on 2009 figure ( 1902 figure for Norwood Game brought it down a bit)
Overall Crowds up 4% on 2009 figures

Hopefully we get at least 2,500 v West on Sunday, similar for North on May 8th (could be a battle for top spot if both win)..

Then May 30th is a big one, sunday game v Norwood, our Auskick & Country day .... would love to see 3K if weather and other factors align up.