Improving the fan experience at Simonds Stadium

[speedybundy]

Bring back the Villi's pie! Made the trip down the highway even more enjoyable unlike the brand they had this year. Or even better bring back the Gillies pie... yes I like my pies..

Like it! What was the brand they had this year? Was always really mushy

 

[Willo_]

Like it! What was the brand they had this year? Was always really mushy

I have a feeling they were Routleys?
Not sure, I can't recall getting a pie this year... Not a huge fan of paying 6 bucks for a shitty pie

Hot tip for anyone that sits in the players stand, go get yourself a bratwurst (or kransky.. etc) from the red marquee at the back... they are unreal

 

[Art Vandelay_]

I have a feeling they were Routleys?
Not sure, I can't recall getting a pie this year... Not a huge fan of paying 6 bucks for a shitty pie

Hot tip for anyone that sits in the players stand, go get yourself a bratwurst (or kransky.. etc) from the red marquee at the back... they are unreal

This year at KP was Routleys and Beaumonts.

 

[Pivo]

You know you're discussing Aussie Rules when it is suggested the quality of the pie is directly proportional to a patron's gameday enjoyment.

 

[David the Cat]

What ever happened to the "good old days".....with Uncle Doug Elliot and the FournTwenty.....

Coz the big men fly for a fourntwenty pie......

 

[AndyMac05]

I'm sorry if I offend any of our older fans but the reality is, kids these days are accustomed to lights, music, DJs, noise, etc and they are the future of the club. They haven't grown up with the reserves being played before the seniors, there're not interested in the "longest kick contest" before the game or Auskick at half time. The club needs to cater to the youth as they are the future. Make it cool to be a cats member and attend Geelong games. No more mittens clapping in the outer. I grew up in the 90s and enjoyed every minute of attending games at kardina park but those days are gone and it won't cut it these days. Introduce bands, light shows, fireworks. Make going to the footy an event. Make it entertainment. Unfortunately these days the game is not enough and nothing will change until we make the game a part of the experience and not the whole experience. May be hard to accept for some of the older supporters but that's the reality. I've been to NBA games in New York and I can tell you the atmosphere there outweighs even an afl grand final. Not because of the game itself or the euphoria of our team wining, but because of the entertainment around it. Seriously, get some t-shirt cannons and fire them into the crowd at each break. It's better than listening to some advert on the big screens that half the crowd can't see! It's not hard to do but until they start making going to the footy cool again and making it an event, footy in Geelong will always be lame.

 

[fpm84]

I'm sorry if I offend any of our older fans but the reality is, kids these days are accustomed to lights, music, DJs, noise, etc and they are the future of the club. They haven't grown up with the reserves being played before the seniors, there're not interested in the "longest kick contest" before the game or Auskick at half time. The club needs to cater to the youth as they are the future. Make it cool to be a cats member and attend Geelong games. No more mittens clapping in the outer. I grew up in the 90s and enjoyed every minute of attending games at kardina park but those days are gone and it won't cut it these days. Introduce bands, light shows, fireworks. Make going to the footy an event. Make it entertainment. Unfortunately these days the game is not enough and nothing will change until we make the game a part of the experience and not the whole experience. May be hard to accept for some of the older supporters but that's the reality. I've been to NBA games in New York and I can tell you the atmosphere there outweighs even an afl grand final. Not because of the game itself or the euphoria of our team wining, but because of the entertainment around it. Seriously, get some t-shirt cannons and fire them into the crowd at each break. It's better than listening to some advert on the big screens that half the crowd can't see! It's not hard to do but until they start making going to the footy cool again and making it an event, footy in Geelong will always be lame.

With all due respect, I disagree with every word of your post.

I've just returned from a month in the USA where I went to seven NBA games across Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York/Brooklyn and Portland. I can safely say that the atmosphere at all of them was terrible, as much as I love the sport. So many Americans were there in the hope of winning a free t-shirt or being seen on the big screen, so much so that they forgot to actually cheer for their team and create a hostile environment for the opposition. For the majority of NBA crowds, the actual game is secondary to the 'experience' which in itself is really tacky. Loud music, t-shirt cannons, giving away fast food vouchers at half time.... cringe.

The further AFL is Americanised, the further disenfranchised supporters will become.

There are ways of engaging with fans without resorting to lame, tacky stuff like blaring top 40 music over the PA so you can't talk about the game with your friends at quarter time.

 

[dazbroncos]

I appreciate the comments about the desires of the "instant gratification generation" but id also suggest that they NBS flash and trash is just that. Im not saying that the KP status quo must be maintained - far from it - but t shirt cannons, flashing lights and loud Flo'rida and Drake banging around the ground in the answer either IMO.

The game does not need to be Americanised. Modernised perhaps - but just because the seppos run with bigger is better does not mean it will work in our world. And when you compare an audience of 330 million vs 23 million in terms of population, then whittle that down on scale to relative NBA vs AFL audience %'s, IMO the ALF market is too small for too much glitz and rubbish.

Go Catters

 

[AndyMac05]

With all due respect, I disagree with every word of your post.

I've just returned from a month in the USA where I went to seven NBA games across Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York/Brooklyn and Portland. I can safely say that the atmosphere at all of them was terrible, as much as I love the sport. So many Americans were there in the hope of winning a free t-shirt or being seen on the big screen, so much so that they forgot to actually cheer for their team and create a hostile environment for the opposition. For the majority of NBA crowds, the actual game is secondary to the 'experience' which in itself is really tacky. Loud music, t-shirt cannons, giving away fast food vouchers at half time.... cringe.

The further AFL is Americanised, the further disenfranchised supporters will become.

There are ways of engaging with fans without resorting to lame, tacky stuff like blaring top 40 music over the PA so you can't talk about the game with your friends at quarter time.

And what would these ways be because at the moment I think that's one area where the club and match day experience in Geelong is lacking. As I said, unfortunately the game itself is not enough to keep the interest of many of the younger supporters anymore. Many posters on here have commented on how boring or lacklustre many games have been in Geelong recently. Why then would younger supporters especially, want to keep showing up to games when they have so many other options these days or can just stay at home and watch it on tv? To me it's the same reason why people go to a concert. If there wasn't a show put on then people would just stay at home and listen to the cd. Going to the footy is not what it used to be. Yes, I agree it's a unique game and we don't want to Americanise it however we need to do something to create more of an atmosphere. Unfortunately the game is just part of the experience these days and the sooner the club starts to embrace that the sooner there membership base will increase and crowd attendances will increase.

 

[dazbroncos]

And what would these ways be because at the moment I think that's one area where the club and match day experience in Geelong is lacking. As I said, unfortunately the game itself is not enough to keep the interest of many of the younger supporters anymore. Many posters on here have commented on how boring or lacklustre many games have been in Geelong recently. Why then would younger supporters especially, want to keep showing up to games when they have so many other options these days or can just stay at home and watch it on tv? To me it's the same reason why people go to a concert. If there wasn't a show put on then people would just stay at home and listen to the cd. Going to the footy is not what it used to be. Yes, I agree it's a unique game and we don't want to Americanise it however we need to do something to create more of an atmosphere. Unfortunately the game is just part of the experience these days and the sooner the club starts to embrace that the sooner there membership base will increase and crowd attendances will increase.

Perhaps, but the addition of PD has boosted the membership count this year to this time last year by several thousand per the club. The game itself is why people are members IMO. Its the GFC and the game. Whilst im not discounting the need for the peripherals and to be up to date, the GFC playing and winning games is the important stuff to me.

http://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/2015-12-07/cats-exceed-35000-members

I could care less about the rest.

GO Catters

 

[dazbroncos]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...p-club-for-next-20-years-20151207-glhgh6.html

An interesting perspective…

GO Catters

 

[Willo_]

And what would these ways be because at the moment I think that's one area where the club and match day experience in Geelong is lacking. As I said, unfortunately the game itself is not enough to keep the interest of many of the younger supporters anymore. Many posters on here have commented on how boring or lacklustre many games have been in Geelong recently. Why then would younger supporters especially, want to keep showing up to games when they have so many other options these days or can just stay at home and watch it on tv? To me it's the same reason why people go to a concert. If there wasn't a show put on then people would just stay at home and listen to the cd. Going to the footy is not what it used to be. Yes, I agree it's a unique game and we don't want to Americanise it however we need to do something to create more of an atmosphere. Unfortunately the game is just part of the experience these days and the sooner the club starts to embrace that the sooner there membership base will increase and crowd attendances will increase.

I'm 32... maybe I'm more an old school mindset... but my game day experience is based on going to footy and the game itself... the rest is just nonsense.

We are there for 1 reason, we don't need bells whistles and flashing lights

 

[dazbroncos]

I'm 32... maybe I'm more an old school mindset... but my game day experience is based on going to footy and the game itself... the rest is just nonsense.

We are there for 1 reason, we don't need bells whistles and flashing lights

And my career is bells and whistles and flashing lights…

Trust me if i thought it could work cost effectively, then id be for it…

Its just no there. And also, comparing NBA env to AFL environment is apples and oranges. NBA has central score board and a roof. Easy place to power and rig flash and trash FX.

AFL its not possible. And before anyone pops off about Etihad, the roof is not weight bearing or structural to rig from in that sense.

Again, not saying the audience participation can't be developed in step with the ties per se but I dint see "hollywood" type FX being the crux to membership boosting. PFD on the other hand and an improved infield performance… different story..

GO Catters

 

[fpm84]

For a start, NBA is played in small enclosed arenas. AFL is played in large open-air stadiums. The logistics and acoustics are completely different, so it's impossible to think that the NBA 'experience' of lights, music, dancing etc could translate to an AFL ground.

Our membership numbers are up thanks to the buzz around our new recruits, and if we start performing on the field it will be impossible to land a ticket to a Simonds game in 2016. Look at how Hawthorn's membership has risen in the past few years when they've been a top team. In AFL world, if you're successful, you'll attract people.

As for the fan experience, I think there are simple things the club could do that wouldn't detract from what we are all there for - the game itself.

If they could get access to the cricket ovals at KP, they could implement a 'fan zone' on match day. This could include things like:

- player appearances/autographs
- bar
- market stalls
- food trucks
- children's activities
- giveaways
- extra merchandise sellers - it's almost impossible to get into The Cats Shop on a match day unless you line up for 45+ minutes

Would I get to the game an hour early to grab a couple of player autographs, get lunch from a food van (cheaper and better range than in the stadium) and possibly spend money at a market? Definitely. It would create a great atmosphere outside, help out local businesses (food vans, stall holders), sell more merchandise and ultimately encourage casual fans to come back for another game.

 

[SJ]

If you want a marquee crowd and a marquee atmosphere at Kardinia, then every now and then you also have to schedule a marquee game.

From next year one of the big Melbourne teams should be required to come down each year.

 

[fpm84]

If you want a marquee crowd and a marquee atmosphere at Kardinia, then every now and then you also have to schedule a marquee game.

From next year one of the big Melbourne teams should be required to come down each year.

Good call SJ.

The best atmosphere at KP in recent years (barring the 2013 final before it all went sour) was the 2014 match v Fremantle and this year's game v Sydney (Selwood's 200th). What did they have in common? They were both against top shelf opposition and they both *meant* something - our top four aspirations were on the line v Fremantle and our win against the Swans kept us in the finals hunt.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Unfortunately the game is just part of the experience these days and the sooner the club starts to embrace that the sooner there membership base will increase and crowd attendances will increase.

Is there any evidence of that?
Is there any evidence that it will or won't drive supporters away?

 

[AndyMac05]

Is there any evidence of that?
Is there any evidence that it will or won't drive supporters away?

No evidence FredLeDeux. May have been the beers talking however I do strongly believe that the game itself is not enough these days, especially when every game is shown live and is accessible in so many different ways. There needs to be something to create an atmosphere that makes people want to attend games instead of sitting at home or checking their phones for updates while there doing things other than attending the ground. A cats growl or longest kick competition will not cut it anymore. It seems lame and tacky to me. Don't get me wrong, I grew up in the 90s and loved getting to the ground early to watch the reserves play and got excited by half cat but times have changed and the club needs to keep up with it. Maybe an nba style set up won't work and clearly on here not many (if any) agree with me on that suggestion which is fine but I think a healthy discussion needs to be had. I hope our club can be the front runner in improving the fan experience. At the moment I feel we are a long way off that.

 

[Bobby_]

With all due respect, I disagree with every word of your post.

I've just returned from a month in the USA where I went to seven NBA games across Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York/Brooklyn and Portland.

please tell me all those teams you watched played actual quality?
Apart from Houston and maybe Portland, the rest are as boring as it can get in their respective franchise histories. Dallas are like the Fremantle Dockers of the AFL, they know how to win the big games but shit, talk about bloody predictable.

 

[Pivo]

No evidence FredLeDeux. May have been the beers talking however I do strongly believe that the game itself is not enough these days, especially when every game is shown live and is accessible in so many different ways. There needs to be something to create an atmosphere that makes people want to attend games instead of sitting at home or checking their phones for updates while there doing things other than attending the ground. A cats growl or longest kick competition will not cut it anymore. It seems lame and tacky to me. Don't get me wrong, I grew up in the 90s and loved getting to the ground early to watch the reserves play and got excited by half cat but times have changed and the club needs to keep up with it. Maybe an nba style set up won't work and clearly on here not many (if any) agree with me on that suggestion which is fine but I think a healthy discussion needs to be had. I hope our club can be the front runner in improving the fan experience. At the moment I feel we are a long way off that.

Could be argued that constantly checking phones for updates is something that the younger generation tends to do more than the older generation.

That or just spend time at the game doing this...



Not too sure those girls are generating much atmosphere.

Let's keep in mind the clubs were allowed to create their own "experience" this year for their home games. Not too sure they were overly successful but you have to consider the fact they are trying to cater to all people attending.

It is that very reason you get Grand Final acts like Chris Isaak and Bryan Adams. The AFL is trying to please the majority.

And because a wide variety of people attend the footy you need to try find the things that the majority of attendees can enjoy.

If the punters want loud music, flashing lights and DJs perhaps attending a nightclub is what they're after, not a game of footy.

Maybe the AFL could try and take a leaf out of cricket, netball and rugby league's book and create and shortened version of the game to run in place of the NAB Cup (or whatever it is these days) to try and attract younger people to the game but as a few people have pointed out already, getting strong Victorian teams down to Geelong more often would go a long way in helping generate more atmosphere.

 

[Bobby_]

There needs to be something to create an atmosphere that makes people want to attend games instead of sitting at home or checking their phones for updates while there doing things other than attending the ground.

This is what the world has become now Andy.
I'm 31 and I hate phones. I don't even have a new one, it's one of those basic $50 phones I got about 8 years ago. I'm amazed at how pre occupied everyone has become with them. Even dependent on them. It would be impossible to get away from them unless medical research finally proved they do indeed give you cancer.
I also think the game has been forced to evolve into a sport which is not what it was say, late 90's/early 00's. The atmosphere is still similar but the spectacle is definitely not the same. Very rarely do we see a Geelong player attempt a high screamer. We may get a player come through the system for a few years like Podsiadly, but due to the change in rules and gaming tactics, Aussie Rules is really not the same game you or I enjoyed when we were growing up and this impacts the atmosphere over a typical 2 hour game.

 

[Partridge]

Is there any evidence of that?
Is there any evidence that it will or won't drive supporters away?

It would absolutely drive me away. I went to one basketball game years ago, was briefly exposed to the 'entertainment', and have never been back.

 

[FredLeDeux]

It would absolutely drive me away. I went to one basketball game years ago, was briefly exposed to the 'entertainment', and have never been back.

I really enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, but I must say that I never really enjoyed them much as spectator sports, especially basketball. I actually went to a few of the early NBA games with their razzamatazz and it didn't help.
I just don't think the razzamatazz is going to increase the attendances at football, which have now been pretty stable for 15-20 years or so. I suspect that any changes will have minimal impact on overall attendances, simply because the potential audiences have now fragmented, first with the increased professionalism of other sports, and secondly with other alternatives to sport.
If somebody comes up with something that has a significant positive effect, well and good, but they would want to be damn sure that it doesn't or won't have a negative effect in driving away the audience they already have.

 

[speedybundy]

Certainly don't think we need the 'entertainment', but some small things here and there to hopefully excite the crowd would be good. The grounds in a bit of a phase at the moment where its loud in design but quiet in the crowd which makes for a weird atmosphere.

I don't think anything needs to be done, no one here would argue the game isn't the main event but why not make the atmosphere a bit more exciting if we can. Maybe a club legend on the big screen at QT talking through an old legendary moment or something.

 

[Turbocat]

I'm 32... maybe I'm more an old school mindset... but my game day experience is based on going to footy and the game itself... the rest is just nonsense.

We are there for 1 reason, we don't need bells whistles and flashing lights

Just to clarify.... Siren to Siren... all other things irrelevant?