Low Attendance

[layzie 33,722]

I'm sick of trying to solve this problem. The AFL can do it. 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,665]

12 hours ago, layzie said:

I'm sick of trying to solve this problem. The AFL can do it. 

Explains your name...

[layzie 33,722]

Just now, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Explains your name...

I'm definitely 'In character' La Dee-vina. 

[Lucifers Hero 39,320]

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.   What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy? Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses) Streamline the ticketing process 5 Bring down the price of food and beverages 4 Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3 Consider making the games shorter 1 Boost the match-day experience 1
Friday night start time the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason digital] ticketing behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away. a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in. not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators. making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months. “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,” Nothing new to followers of this thread.   Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

Edited June 20, 2022 by Lucifers Hero

[Macca 16,900]

Re the worst crowds since 1996 ...

A lot of the games were played at the same time back in 1996 (average 3 or 4 games at 2pm Saturday's and 2 or 3 games at 2pm on Sunday's) So attending more than one game back then was difficult (as opposed to these days - MCC members & AFL members can attend multiple games)

We might have to go a lot further back than 1996 to find the real answer as to the worst season for crowd numbers

My guess is that these days the neutrals have dropped off in terms of attending the games.  And in my view it's the over 45's who are dropping off in terms of attending (for various reasons as previously stated by many here)

The worry for the AFL is if there is a flow-on affect with TV numbers.  They'd have to be concerned from a business standpoint

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,665]

31 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.   What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy? Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses) Streamline the ticketing process 5 Bring down the price of food and beverages 4 Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3 Consider making the games shorter 1 Boost the match-day experience 1
Friday night start time the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason digital] ticketing behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away. a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in. not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators. making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months. “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,” Nothing new to followers of this thread.   Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

The problem I have with this story is that there are 21 responses. That seems to suggest that the CEOs were given the opportunity to provide more than one reason...yet between them only came up with 21 responses.  

[Lucifers Hero 39,320]

1 minute ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

The problem I have with this story is that there are 21 responses. That seems to suggest that the CEOs were given the opportunity to provide more than one reason...yet between them only came up with 21 responses.  

I don't think the numbers are additive.  Not sure how the question was phrased or what optional answers were provided.

But it is probably the narrative that follows that is most relevant.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,121]

11 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.   What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy? Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses) Streamline the ticketing process 5 Bring down the price of food and beverages 4 Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3 Consider making the games shorter 1 Boost the match-day experience 1
Friday night start time the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason digital] ticketing behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away. a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in. not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators. making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months. “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,” Nothing new to followers of this thread.   Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

[Demonland 71,111]

 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

12 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.   What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy? Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses) Streamline the ticketing process 5 Bring down the price of food and beverages 4 Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3 Consider making the games shorter 1 Boost the match-day experience 1
Friday night start time the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason digital] ticketing behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away. a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in. not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators. making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months. “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,” Nothing new to followers of this thread.   Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

While most likely a marginal issue...i would add...

Cashless transactions at most (all?) grounds post Covid (season 2021 onwards?)

Many tradies and sole traders do a fair % of cash sales and i would guess a decent number might prefer to use that cash for day to day spending such as game day vendor purchases of food & bev.  Keeping banked trade sales/earning $$ in their accounts for mortgage/bill payment, online transactions, SUV/Ute upgrades/superchargers/blow offs etc!

Plenty of tradies are avid footy followers.

Join the dots...

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

27 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Greatest Waste of Space

And Riewoldt's answer is....

“Investment in the game. They’ve got no alternative,” Riewoldt replied.

“Just keep the throttle down and keep trying to drive the game up.

So after 11 years (?) and probably somewhere around $150 - $200 million,  plus 15 or more 1st round draft picks and two coaches, we arrive at... a complete failed basket case of a club that no one wants to go and watch.

This Fox chat doesn't cover the TV ratings which i would assume would be off the scale also and not in a good way.

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

[Guest]

55 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

 

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

What’s Tassie ever done to you!!!

[Lucifers Hero 39,320]

9 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

I think it would be related to the 'back to basics' comment in the article:

21 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.

Something, I'm sure we would all applaud.

[rpfc 28,220]

8 hours ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Greatest Waste of Space

And Riewoldt's answer is....

“Investment in the game. They’ve got no alternative,” Riewoldt replied.

“Just keep the throttle down and keep trying to drive the game up.

So after 11 years (?) and probably somewhere around $150 - $200 million,  plus 15 or more 1st round draft picks and two coaches, we arrive at... a complete failed basket case of a club that no one wants to go and watch.

This Fox chat doesn't cover the TV ratings which i would assume would be off the scale also and not in a good way.

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

It is not a basket case of a club. This was going to take decades. As I am constantly reminded; low crowds have a myriad of excuses that we are comfortable with trotting out.

And as for the talent pool - what a ‘training load’ - our ‘talent pool’ from the first half of 2020 is not much different to now but confidence, health, and proper coaching does wonders. There are blokes like Martin, Durdin, et al that are jumping in and playing roles well. 

[layzie 33,722]

10 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

Do we really need to keep 'boosting' the matchday experience like a turbo jetpack? Why don't we un-boost the experience and let the sport do the talking? We don't need more music and lightshows and get up at half time and move your bootie nonsense.

 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

21 minutes ago, rpfc said:

It is not a basket case of a club. This was going to take decades. As I am constantly reminded; low crowds have a myriad of excuses that we are comfortable with trotting out.

And as for the talent pool - what a ‘training load’ - our ‘talent pool’ from the first half of 2020 is not much different to now but confidence, health, and proper coaching does wonders. There are blokes like Martin, Durdin, et al that are jumping in and playing roles well. 

I suspect you will be deflecting with the same reasons to keep them going in 2032 RP.

By then then the Greatest Waste of Space would've cost the AFL another $250 - $500 million and still underperforming on and off the field and media still questioning the record low  crowds/memberships etc

That's if i'm alive to see it!

[old dee 23,682]

10 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

I hope not the former Dr. That would be the death knell for those over 50. One of the great things about watching the game below AFL Senior level is none of these things exist. It's just about the game. PS I actually enjoy going to a game watching Casey more than the seniors these days. It's more like the game day experience I grew up with. 

Edited June 20, 2022 by old dee

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,665]

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

26 minutes ago, layzie said:

Do we really need to keep 'boosting' the matchday experience like a turbo jetpack? Why don't we un-boost the experience and let the sport do the talking? We don't need more music and lightshows and get up at half time and move your bootie nonsense.

 

You have my vote Layzie.  The excitement should be mostly left to the game.

Music / shazaam stuff after every goal along with disco lights... ughh.

Ok a sprint or kicking comp at half time maybe but FCS turn their mics down.  Especially that woman at the G.  Voice sounds like two cats caterwauling in the early hours of a freezing winter morning.

Edited June 20, 2022 by Demon Dynasty

[old dee 23,682]

4 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

 

Good point LDC but do you actually think they will come down. My basic economics learnt over lots of years is they don't. They might stabilise with a little luck.

[old dee 23,682]

4 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

You have my vote Layzie.  The excitement should be mostly left to the game.

Music / shazaam stuff after every goal along with disco lights... ughh.

Ok a sprint or kicking comp at half time maybe but FCS turn their mics down.  Especially that woman at the G.  Voice sounds like two cats caterwauling in the early hours of a freezing winter morning.

Love your description DD. 

[Demonland 71,111]

19 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

That's an interesting point however if crowds did increase I have no doubt the greedy [censored] would raise prices to cash in on the captive audience.

[layzie 33,722]

While the headline about it being the highest scoring game for the year is more about it being a shame I can't see there being much of a change there regardless of the anticipated quality of a game.

 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,665]

7 minutes ago, Demonland said:

That's an interesting point however if crowds did increase I have no doubt the greedy [censored] would raise prices to cash in on the captive audience.

You're probably right. However, for what it's worth, while the prices of food and drinks might deter some people, I suspect that issue isn't in the top 5 reasons why people aren't attending. I'd have all of scheduling (eg, Thursday nights, times of games, floating fixture, etc), availability on TV (especially now people have become used to paying for content on other services, such as Netflix), transport issues (cost, time, availability), ticketing issues, and health concerns associated with Covid all ahead of it.     

[sue 9,096]

The AFL likes crowds partly because it boosts the atmosphere of the TV broadcast.  But they will get more and more adept at faking the crowd.  (I am often impressed with how much noise 10 GWS spporters can make.)   

If they really want to rely on TV and provide an engrossing TV experience, then they have to start offering viewing options so we are not at the mercy of directors who think we want to know how well the players shaved that day. Or offer options like be able to hear the umpire's mikes rather than the likes of BT.