How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 12:05 pm  

There's been loads of posts dotted around of ideas of how to boost crowds because obviously it's a big talking point at the moment, so why don't we try and combine all these ideas into one dedicated thread...

So any ideas of how to boost crowds/any other ideas (eg - Leigh Marquee/Stall idea)

Keep in mind though, no crazy ticket schemes as we've seen where that leads...

No doubt no-one will post now, but fire away!

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 2:03 pm  

To get a consistent increase in numbers, we need to get more folk, whether old supporters (who no longer attend, or only do so sporadically) or new supporters, to become regulars down at the Shay.

To me, the target needs to be around folk who sometimes go to a match, but perhaps not to that many.

Improving the match-day experience can help. We're not bad at this now, but it's about getting the basics absolutely spot on, and not about bouncy castles and the like!

Ticketing is the other factor though, and things like mini-season tickets (misnomer there!), for say any three games at a reduced price - can't be much though, or you start affecting the full season ticket holders. Perhaps including kids in the price? Perhaps being able to bring a friend once or twice a season for season ticket holders - at a much reduced price?

Folk like to feel they're getting a bargain, and this does have to factor into the equation.

Of course, topping the league, and winning the NRC and Grand Final would help as well...

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 2:27 pm  

Keep winning

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 2:33 pm  

Jnr rugby curtain raisers.

each child will bring along at least 1 parent, friend, grand parent etc...

plus gets the kids talking in school and things snowball from there.

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 2:55 pm  

May not sound much but putting smarter game advertising boards around the outside perimeter of the ground. Make them big and snazzy and enticing. They're expensive though. It would send a message that there is something exciting and professional occurring during match days.

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 3:24 pm  

Instead of giving the free meal to the season ticket holders I would offer them a free junior season ticket to try to encourage more youngsters down. How many of us were first taken by a grandad /dad and are still attending today.
I would get some Fax volunteers with a couple of players out on the precint on Sat afternoons handing out leaflets especially before a big match.I know the Club have done it once or twice but these sorts of things need to be done on a regular basis to make any real differance.
I would try to get Damian Ball to help organise a pre- match with two sides from Brooksbank and push it in the school. I would think with relatives and all their pals from school they should muster a few there.
Plus the lads have to keep playing entertaining rugby as the crowd is never going to alter overnight it will creep steadily up I am sure.
One of the biggest mistakes our Board at the time made when we moved from Thrum Hall was not runing buses to and from Thrum Hall (didn`t need to be free) as we lost a good number from our crowd moving to the Shay but then that`s another story.

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 3:56 pm  

I don't want to sound too pessimistic about the idea, cos I happen to think it's always been a great idea myself but curtain raisers, I just can't see the grumpy groundsmen or the cantakerous council allowing it.
I'm really at a loss how to get more support to home games, I feel the sporting people of Calderdale just don't fancy the gig, we're down to the loyal hardcore now & have been for a number of years.

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 3:59 pm  

Bring back promotion and relegation!

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 4:02 pm  

This is whats happenening at Hudds tonight http://www.giantsrl.com/matchday/celebr ... e_this_fri I'm going cause a lad in my care is taking part in the haka, Robbie Paul has spent the last few weeks going round schools in Hudds teaching the kids, maybe they'll hit the 3000 mark this week

This is whats happenening at Hudds tonight http://www.giantsrl.com/matchday/celebr ... e_this_fri I'm going cause a lad in my care is taking part in the haka, Robbie Paul has spent the last few weeks going round schools in Hudds teaching the kids, maybe they'll hit the 3000 mark this week

Re: How to raise attendances? : Fri May 18, 2012 7:59 pm  

Living The Dream wrote:

Bring back promotion and relegation!

We can't create this ourselves, but how true. 3,500 for FC Halifax Town against Gainsborough - says it all.