Travelling Brumbies supporters are set to swell the crowd for next Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final against the Waratahs to what could be a franchise finals record for the NSW Rugby Union.
The Brumbies’ final home win over the Highlanders in Canberra last Saturday secured a crack at minor premiers NSW at Allianz Stadium.
The win sparked great interest on Monday among Brumbies supporters wanting to attend the semi-final.
“We’ve has plenty of requests this morning, so there will be a Brumbies bay,” NSW Rugby Union chief executive officer Jason Allen told AAP on Monday.
“I think there’s a lot of interest, I think they will come up in the thousands.”
Allen said around two thirds of tickets to the 44.000 capacity stadium had already been sold.
He was hoping for a crowd of 35-37,000, well above the Waratahs’ season-best attendance of just under 30,000 for this month’s regular season clash with the Brumbies at the larger ANZ Stadium.
“While most codes have been going backwards (in attendances), we’ve been growing,” Allen said.
“That’s a good sign, an indicator for this Saturday night, and we’d like to see a bumper crowd and I think it will be quite a spectacle as well.”
All three of the Waratahs’ previous home semi-finals have attracted over 30,000.
The 2002 clash with the Brumbies drew 35,462, the Bulls semi in 2005 attracted 34,323 and the 2008 tussle with the Sharks pulled in 32,350 spectators.
The Waratahs are averaging close to 20,000 this year, a healthy increase on last season.
While he wouldn’t speculate on how much the finals fixtures could be worth, Allen stressed the benefits transcended the additional financial revenue they would generate.
“I think people get caught up in the economics. That’s important of course for sustainability, but I think for the health of rugby, it’s just great to be playing finals rugby back here in Sydney,” Allen said.
Allen praised a Waratahs football department headed by coach Michael Cheika for assembling a team that was entertaining as well as winning.
“It’s exactly what Michael’s brief was and what Michael is executing, which we’re thrilled about.”
p.Tah
Guest
Nice one Dogs ;)
Bakkies
Guest
The ACT government is looking at it but I can't see how it would work logistically in the city.
TahDan
Roar Guru
Yeah, would have to be... getting 40k for a game in Canberra would require more than 10% of Canberra's entire population to turn up.
TahDan
Roar Guru
There's a plan for a new stadium in Canberra?
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
Yes I know Brian, but they only have one Super Rugby team.......people harp on about the poor crowds in Canberra, and I agree they aren't what they should be, but Sydney is far worse when you take the population into account. Believe it or not people in Canberra support other codes just like Sydneysiders do, and by the way I was being facetious.
Brian
Guest
As seems to be the norm here, your painfully basic statistical work leaves a lot to be desired. Sydney is quite likely the single most competitive sports market in the world. Almost 10 NRL teams and a few from both AFL and the A-League. Let's not forget that the Waratahs are chronic underachievers and Sydney has reigning and extremely recent champions in all other winter sports. I'm hoping that it's a sell out crowd, but it's definitely not a 'disgrace' with any less.
Brett McKay
Expert
From memory Bakkies, they're looking at around 30K. Probably a mix of perm/temp seats..
Brett McKay
Expert
I am as a matter of fact Guru! And I will be there early to see the earlier game, too, so I'd love to drop in at the very least..
Bakkies
Guest
Absolutely. Even with that capacity I can't see Canberra competing for bigger Rugby tests with a poor attitude towards attending the matches that they have been given and matching other governments financially.
Bakkies
Guest
True but the crowds at Carisbrook in its final years was absolutely woeful.
Bakkies
Guest
Nothing would please me more than the Crusaders and Waratahs losing. Can't see either happening tbf.
Boomeranga
Guest
40 does seem a lot for Canberra.
Boomeranga
Guest
Pathetic excuse. What ever it is you are having taken out or put back in can surely wait another couple of weeks.
Bakkies
Guest
40,000 is far too big given the Brumbies and Raiders crowds and where will people park if they are driving in. The traffic will be mental as Canberra has a car culture. At this stage no one knows how the light rail will pan out. Visiting teams generally hate going to Canberra due to the cold weather that home advantage will be gone if it's indoors. The location of Canberra Stadium is fine and the free buses are quick to get back in to the City or other town centres.
Boomeranga
Guest
I love the feeling of walking to the MCG for a game. The sheer scale of it makes me weirdly proud.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
That wind the previous week was horrendous!
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Agree with everything you say......except the last three words. Hopefully this will generate some positive media for the game!
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
You coming up Brett? Cauliflower Club is organising a "trailer bar" outside main entrance to watch the Crusaders v Sharks game beforehand. Would love yo catch up if you're there...... 'gurusingha.
Old Bluey
Guest
As an ex-player, coach and 50 year die-hard supporter of the code, nothing would please me more than to see a record finals crowd on Saturday night. It been a long time coming. The Waratahs have played great rugby all year and deserve all the support they can get. In such a competitive sporting media landscape as Sydney, hopefully the moment has arrived for newspapers and TV to give the game some decent coverage it fully deserves. Go the Waratahs !
chis
Guest
Dunedin might have a nice new stadium but fans still don't turn for S15 games.