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Brisbane Roar player Luke Devere heads the ball over top of Gold Coast United player Joel Porter during the 1st round of the 2010 A-league competition at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, Sunday, Aug. 08, 2010. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
So how long can Football Federation Australia officials hold their breath? We’re about to find out. On Sunday December 19 the gates at Skilled Park will be thrown open before Gold Coast United takes on the Central Coast Mariners and everyone will be let in for free.
United owner Clive Palmer says it’s to pay tribute to FFA Chairman Frank Lowy, who’ll be in attendance, and all of the effort he put in to Australia’s failed World Cup bid.
It’s a kind gesture from Palmer, and you can only hope that the beaches are empty on the glitter strip that day and everyone takes advantage of his generosity.
But what if they don’t?
What if the usual small mob of loyal fans show up and Skilled Park is as empty as Main Beach after a shark warning?
I wonder what Frank Lowy will start to think as he looks out at the empty seats from his corporate box?
It will be the latest in a long line of body blows for the man who wants football to be top-dog in Australia more than any business deal he has done in the past.
Until kick-off FFA and Gold Coast officials are certain to be nervous about the crowd figure because the knockers and headline writers will be waiting.
I’ve never understood why the people of the Gold Coast have been so unwilling to embrace this team. If you’re a Gold Coast resident I’d love to know because you have me absolutely baffled. It’s a shame for the league, the area and the players.
They have a great stadium, five-star playing roster, intriguing coach and a billionaire owner. It has all the ingredients needed to be successful… oh except fans!
If letting everyone in for free doesn’t work, then what do Palmer and Lowy do about this problem?
The only option left is to stand on Cavill Avenue and actually pay people money to go. If you live on the Gold Coast try and gather up the family and go along to the game.
If you jumped on the football bandwagon while the hype of the world cup bid built, the Socceroos took to the field in South Africa this year or Germany in 2006, then give the A-League a try.
This team deserves your support. Who knows – you might even like it and come back.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.