by dedja » Sun May 11, 2014 11:53 pm
I know this has been done before, but I'd like to see an updated analysis of the weekly attendances in Adelaide for AFL and SANFL combined.
My reasoning is that in the glory years of the 70's and 80's, the average weekly attendance in the SANFL would have been approx 40,000, give or take a few thousand.
When the Crows entered the AFL, obviously SANFL attendances dropped but the Crows would have averaged over 40,000 for home games in the early years.
When Port entered the AFL in 1997, obviously there were more attending AFL matches at Footy Park as we basically had a weekly match here. Of course SANFL attendances suffered again, but the total weekly football attendances in Adelaide increased, probably around or above the glory SANFL years.
The weekly AFL and SANFL attendances have seemingly steadily decline in recent years, more so AFL than SANFL, until this year for the AFL.
So my point is that although it appears that SANFL attendances have dropped this year, Adelaide Oval attendances have dramatically increased. Now the novelty factor of a upgraded Adelaide Oval, plus a resurgence in Port's on field success is obviously a major factor.
It appears to me that this year could be the highest attended season (AFL and SANFL combined) ever. Maybe I'm wrong because I'm not anal enough to record the attendance stats for the last 100 odd years.
So to those that are anal enough (yes, we don't understand why you do it but we love you for doing it), are you able to confirm or deny my flimsy hypothesis.
If in the unlikely event I'm correct, then the SANFL will continue to bleed as the State Government, SMA, SANFL and SACA will rejoice about the rivers of gold delivered by Adelaide Oval. Add the relatively good ratings for SANFL on channel 7, there will be less concern from the powers to be about the falling SANFL attendances.
A rambling load of crap? Maybe it is or maybe it isn't.
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
This post has not been approved by Dave from Alberton.