Play Nice 2024 AFL and State League Attendance

[manicmagpie]

A quirk in the mix of Essendon home games this year is it has 6/11 of its home games against interstate teams. Includes GWS, Suns and Dockers with absurd situation the Dockers home game being scheduled at the MCG whilst the Saints and Swans home game earlier in the year at Marvel. That Swabs one in particular looming as a major lockout missed opportunity for thousands of fans.

It puts a ceiling on potential home aggregate for the year with home games against Suns, Dockers, Eagles, Crows and Swans to come. It could’ve potentially been a big attendance year for them if their form holds through.

Collingwood get extra home games at the MCG over Essendon so I'm not doing a direct comparison but Collingwood had 6 home games against non-Vic teams last year including a surefire blockbuster against Brisbane being shunted to Docklands, and ended up with the highest home attendance in history.

Forgive the bragging, I'm in a good mood this morning.

 

[Air_Chester]

88k, put your house on it

 

[weewilly]

Looks like a huge amount of empties at the front of Q Ponsford and doesnt look like Walkups in the MCC is as strong as last nigjt. Probably low 80s.

How the ++++ does a Collingwood home game a the G get less than 90K on a very well promoted match on a public holiday?

 

[dave10]

Collingwood get extra home games at the MCG over Essendon so I'm not doing a direct comparison but Collingwood had 6 home games against non-Vic teams last year including a surefire blockbuster against Brisbane being shunted to Docklands, and ended up with the highest home attendance in history.

Forgive the bragging, I'm in a good mood this morning.

That's true, you should be up and about! On that, some of those interstate games holding high interest with the footy public, the Pies are to an extent benefiting from footy industry interest levels which are seeing more and more neutrals attending games at the G, especially in the AFL / MCC reserves. It may be only 3-5k per game for the mouth watering ones but it all adds up across the year. That said, the Pies are riding the wave and are a step above other clubs in drawing capacity atm.

I look at the upcoming Swans game for Essendon, it potentially has 70,000+ footy interest levels in it. If it’s a top 6 contest with the ‘Essendon Edge’ backchat backstory, it has the potential to have been a monster crowd. Ticket sales are already very strong at Marvel and it’s 8 weeks away so it is what it is.

But for the Bombers in a good year, it’s the difference between drawing 560-570k to home games compared to 650K or more. At least from next year this type of game could be at the G. And lots of footy fans of all persuasions can go and watch a genuine blockbuster.

 

[dave10]

88k, put your house on it

Collingwood Vs Essendon almost sold out too, this week I assume.

 

[dave10]

88k, put your house on it

We genuinely have a business case and demand for 110,000 at the MCG with the next redevelopment. We must be on track for 10+ sellouts at the G for H & A games this year. We would fill the extra 10,000 seats. Especially with more big concerts over summer period. The MCG game has changed and so should the ideology around optimal stadium capacity relative to cost.

 

[The Tilt]

That's true, you should be up and about! On that, some of those interstate games holding high interest with the footy public, the Pies are to an extent benefiting from footy industry interest levels which are seeing more and more neutrals attending games at the G, especially in the AFL / MCC reserves. It may be only 3-5k per game for the mouth watering ones but it all adds up across the year. That said, the Pies are riding the wave and are a step above other clubs in drawing capacity atm.

I look at the upcoming Swans game for Essendon, it potentially has 70,000+ footy interest levels in it. If it’s a top 6 contest with the ‘Essendon Edge’ backchat backstory, it has the potential to have been a monster crowd. Ticket sales are already very strong at Marvel and it’s 8 weeks away so it is what it is.

But for the Bombers in a good year, it’s the difference between drawing 560-570k to home games compared to 650K or more. At least from next year this type of game could be at the G. And lots of footy fans of all persuasions can go and watch a genuine blockbuster.

I'm guessing one of the considerations that go into these fixturing decisions is the number of games non-Victorian clubs get at the MCG. The Swans have already had three this year: all the other non-Vic only one or two. Given the GF contract etc, they want to ensure that each of the non-Vics are getting reasonable experience at the G. Hence, you get decisions that don't make complete sense on commercial/crowd maximising basis (such as Essendon hosting Freo at the G and Swans at the Docklands).

 

[threenewpadlocks]

I'm guessing one of the considerations that go into these fixturing decisions is the number of games non-Victorian clubs get at the MCG. The Swans have already had three this year: all the other non-Vic only one or two. Given the GF contract etc, they want to ensure that each of the non-Vics are getting reasonable experience at the G. Hence, you get decisions that don't make complete sense on commercial/crowd maximising basis (such as Essendon hosting Freo at the G and Swans at the Docklands).

And besides, both the existing pre-AFL ownership of Docklands and AFL desire to have big games there means that there's always a want for some big crowds there. The AFL would rather keep all its money than pay some to the MCC. Government funding on the Docklands redevelopment also would require there being more big crowds for it to actually be put to use.

If we're conerned about bums in seats, balancing the fine act between revenue generation and resale/capacity for people who want to go to get their hands on the seats that are already sold to ensure that the crowd is actually filled. It's still incredible that 55,000 tickets can be sold and yet upwards of 20% go unusued for certain Essendon home games. There's always going to be a bunch, but it doesn't have to be as high as 20%.

 

[dave10]

I'm guessing one of the considerations that go into these fixturing decisions is the number of games non-Victorian clubs get at the MCG. The Swans have already had three this year: all the other non-Vic only one or two. Given the GF contract etc, they want to ensure that each of the non-Vics are getting reasonable experience at the G. Hence, you get decisions that don't make complete sense on commercial/crowd maximising basis (such as Essendon hosting Freo at the G and Swans at the Docklands).

I think you’re on the money

 

[dave10]

And besides, both the existing pre-AFL ownership of Docklands and AFL desire to have big games there means that there's always a want for some big crowds there. The AFL would rather keep all its money than pay some to the MCC. Government funding on the Docklands redevelopment also would require there being more big crowds for it to actually be put to use.

If we're conerned about bums in seats, balancing the fine act between revenue generation and resale/capacity for people who want to go to get their hands on the seats that are already sold to ensure that the crowd is actually filled. It's still incredible that 55,000 tickets can be sold and yet upwards of 20% go unusued for certain Essendon home games. There's always going to be a bunch, but it doesn't have to be as high as 20%.

All clubs are the same. St any home game, any club, only 40-70% of members actually go any given week. Difference is, the bigger clubs sell more reserved seats with memberships upfront than smaller clubs. Smaller clubs get to therefore sell thousands more seats at Marvel ‘at the gate’, hence why clubs like the Roos / Dogs can get 50,000 into Marvel still..

 

[threenewpadlocks]

All clubs are the same. St any home game, any club, only 40-70% of members actually go any given week. Difference is, the bigger clubs sell more reserved seats with memberships upfront than smaller clubs. Smaller clubs get to therefore sell thousands more seats at Marvel ‘at the gate’, hence why clubs like the Roos / Dogs can get 50,000 into Marvel still..

There's got to be better communication and discounts to resale tickets within a club's own membership base.

Current issue is that - other than many not knowing it exists - that tickets may return to the open pool, allowing opposition club supporters to grab a seat in a bay of one team's fully reserved seat holders.

It should be absolutely clear, relatively cheap, and communicated notably that existing e.g. GA membership holders can upgrade their ticket to another no-show's reserved seat holder for only a nominal price (ie $15 or whatever). The person selling their ticket should only get as little as $5 or $10 off their following year's membership, and the club pockets the $5 or $10 difference. The seat has already been sold at a premium price, so you don't need to get greedy and try and make a significant profit twice over the seat.

 

[Bjo187]

There's got to be better communication and discounts to resale tickets within a club's own membership base.

Current issue is that - other than many not knowing it exists - that tickets may return to the open pool, allowing opposition club supporters to grab a seat in a bay of one team's fully reserved seat holders.

It should be absolutely clear, relatively cheap, and communicated notably that existing e.g. GA membership holders can upgrade their ticket to another no-show's reserved seat holder for only a nominal price (ie $15 or whatever). The person selling their ticket should only get as little as $5 or $10 off their following year's membership, and the club pockets the $5 or $10 difference. The seat has already been sold at a premium price, so you don't need to get greedy and try and make a significant profit twice over the seat.

Agree with all that, but why as a reserved seat membership would I go to the trouble of doing all the admin of re selling my seat for $5 off next years $700 membership.

To me the main reason the resale fails is due to the lack of invective to resell (too low) and the fact resell can be to some random opposition supporter and not your own clubs supporters.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Agree with all that, but why as a reserved seat membership would I go to the trouble of doing all the admin of re selling my seat for $5 off next years $700 membership.

To me the main reason the resale fails is due to the lack of invective to resell (too low) and the fact resell can be to some random opposition supporter and not your own clubs supporters.

Why buy a reserved seat if on average you're not going to show up for half the games, as the statistics prove? Maybe make it $10 or whatever.

But the point of clear and consistent communication is the point. The opportunity to rebuy should only be given to the existing membership base that aren't resale holders, even if it's a standard 3 game GA member or whatever.

 

[AstuteTiger]

Great crowd today but seriously where were the Melbourne supporters? Would of easily been 70,000 Collingwood fans today

Agree it was predominately pies but are you insinuating that there were under 10K Dees fans, taking into account many neutrals attend this game as well especially being on a public holiday.

This game is for a great cause for MND, Neale Daniher and Dees fans do make the effort to come out for this game. MCC reserve is majority Dees fans.

At a bare min there would be at least 20K Dees for this special game. I think you're being a tad disingenuous.

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

Agree it was predominately pies but are you insinuating that there were under 10K Dees fans, taking into account many neutrals attend this game as well especially being on a public holiday.

This game is for a great cause for MND, Neale Daniher and Dees fans do make the effort to come out for this game. MCC reserve is majority Dees fans.

At a bare min there would be at least 20K Dees for this special game. I think you're being a tad disingenuous.

From where I was sitting, it still looked like Melbourne had a strong turnout in the MCC, albeit they didn't have a lot to cheer about on the day.

 

[The Educator]

A quirk in the mix of Essendon home games this year is it has 6/11 of its home games against interstate teams. Includes GWS, Suns and Dockers with absurd situation the Dockers home game being scheduled at the MCG whilst the Saints and Swans home game earlier in the year at Marvel. That Swabs one in particular looming as a major lockout missed opportunity for thousands of fans.

It puts a ceiling on potential home aggregate for the year with home games against Suns, Dockers, Eagles, Crows and Swans to come. It could’ve potentially been a big attendance year for them if their form holds through.

I think the gap between Collingwood and Essendon is made very clear when you consider that Essendon have had MCG home games against Hawthorn, Carlton and Collingwood (Anzac Day), whereas yesterday was Collingwood's first home game against a Melbourne club at the G (hosted the dogs at Marvel).

 

[The Educator]

I'm guessing one of the considerations that go into these fixturing decisions is the number of games non-Victorian clubs get at the MCG. The Swans have already had three this year: all the other non-Vic only one or two. Given the GF contract etc, they want to ensure that each of the non-Vics are getting reasonable experience at the G. Hence, you get decisions that don't make complete sense on commercial/crowd maximising basis (such as Essendon hosting Freo at the G and Swans at the Docklands).

...and Collingwood hosting Marvel tenants (i.e. the bulldogs last week) at Marvel to ensure that non Melbourne teams (Swans, Port, Crows, Lions this year) get MCG games

 

[threenewpadlocks]

...and Collingwood hosting Marvel tenants (i.e. the bulldogs last week) at Marvel to ensure that non Melbourne teams (Swans, Port, Crows, Lions this year) get MCG games

Collingwood have a contractual arrangement to play 5 total MCG away games per season, get certian reserved seating rights, and their players even get the home changing rooms (despite being the away team). An occasional home game at Marvel is more than fine.

 

[dave10]

Agree with all that, but why as a reserved seat membership would I go to the trouble of doing all the admin of re selling my seat for $5 off next years $700 membership.

To me the main reason the resale fails is due to the lack of invective to resell (too low) and the fact resell can be to some random opposition supporter and not your own clubs supporters.

Its actually $30 per game off next years membership, you just have to do a simple opt out thing in your clubs app. I’ve done it, it’s financially rewarding and pretty easy to administer imo.

 

[dave10]

I think the gap between Collingwood and Essendon is made very clear when you consider that Essendon have had MCG home games against Hawthorn, Carlton and Collingwood (Anzac Day), whereas yesterday was Collingwood's first home game against a Melbourne club at the G (hosted the dogs at Marvel).

Agree, not disputing Collingwood’s position. Just noting a weird quirk in the Dons fixture this year. If they had swapped Swans (to G) and Dockers (to Marvel) it’d be more acceptable. Playing all the interstates at Marvel is result of ladder placing mainly. Next year could be overs for Vic clubs. All comes down to the ladder and where they all land. Btw, welcome back..

 

[ep12]

Great crowd today but seriously where were the Melbourne supporters? Would of easily been 70,000 Collingwood fans today

Havent missed your nonsense inflation of Collingwood numbers.
There were easily 25,000 of us there, MCC was as usual 80% red.
We just arent a particularly loud fan base and it doesnt help when you are goaless in the first quarter, playing a garbage brand of football/

 

[Bjo187]

Its actually $30 per game off next years membership, you just have to do a simple opt out thing in your clubs app. I’ve done it, it’s financially rewarding and pretty easy to administer imo.

That's not too bad then, my parents have reserved seat memberships, the same seats for 20 years, got someone next to them that bought one of the buyback options at the north game a few wks ago. At least they were Essendon fans, but they were swearing and carrying on, the usual members in the area didn't like it and it resulted in a full on fist fight right next to them . So I definitely think it diminishes it for the every home game reserved seat member, when you have people coming in creating a commotion. Do you know if the buyback is now restricted to Essendon members only?

 

[le dominateur]

Agree it was predominately pies but are you insinuating that there were under 10K Dees fans, taking into account many neutrals attend this game as well especially being on a public holiday.

This game is for a great cause for MND, Neale Daniher and Dees fans do make the effort to come out for this game. MCC reserve is majority Dees fans.

At a bare min there would be at least 20K Dees for this special game. I think you're being a tad disingenuous.

Ridiculous to suggest only 10K Dee supporters, they were certainly loud whenever Maynard had the football.


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[Raz Man]

Ridiculous to suggest only 10K Dee supporters, they were certainly loud whenever Maynard had the football.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Hi le demoniateur,

I am definitely disappointed with your "ESSENDON 150 YEARS OF CHEATING" banner. No place for it here. Leave it for the Banter WhatsApp groups with your mates.

 

[ep12]

Hi le demoniateur,

I am definitely disappointed with your "ESSENDON 150 YEARS OF CHEATING" banner. No place for it here. Leave it for the Banter WhatsApp groups with your mates.

And yet he goes for Manchester city, 115...