Roar Pro
Joined September 2015
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Amateur sports watcher and general expressor of poorly-thought out opinions until they're proven to be utterly wrong - usually at my bank account's expense. English born so offer an alternative - though probably unwanted - viewpoint.
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Well here it is, Part 4 of my series on how much of an idiot I'm going to look in about nine months' time…
Hopefully I've saved myself a bit of face down the track as this article was delayed until after the latest round of fixtures. Here…
Continuing on from my last article here are the next five sides currently occupying the positions 6-10 on the Premier League table. (This was…
So after seven games played by each side we can start to gather how the rest of this season may play out. I'll supplement…
I think it should be ok with the light rail as there’ll be a stop right outside Central Station which should mean only a 10 minute journey (if that) to Moore Park, with trams apparently every 5 minutes. Also, the Foveaux St thing should definitely happen.
I realise I’m an exception living in the inner west, but trains from all over the city run straight into Central and it’ll be a much easier transition than what’s currently in place. Also, with it extending into Randwick you’d get more easties coming.
I don’t drive so can’t talk on the car front but if that integration works then I assume people will be more willing to park at their closest station and train it in, especially if you allow free public transport for ticket holders (and reinforce the message if it’s already in place).
No, but people already put up with it (77’000 at the socceroos and took me almost 2 hours to get home), and it is changing.
I firmly believe people want to attend but at the moment it’s easier/cheaper/more worthwhile to stay at home, but a new SFS could at least get an extra 2500+ average and then you can go from there.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
I reckon you’d get a fair bit of promotion were it to be held in Australia, and allow everyone to tap into the Sydney 2000 nostalgia.
Also, given over 660’000 tickets were sold for London I’d say there’s a decent market there. Yes, other years haven’t been great, but there were still almost 420’000 in Berlin in 2009.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
I’m looking for that at the moment, and the best I’ve found is $137m to fix all the safety issues (lack of exits, no emergency power, fire sprinklers, no fire containment, no emergency warning system) with the current SFS, and that doesn’t include further issues we’ve been addressing.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
There’s plenty wrong with the current SFS.
Access, toilets, safety, food, drink, cover, views, corporate placement, etc.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
1. I think this will be a case of hindsight being 20/20 but a new Moore Park stadium would have a more sustained boost in attendances than Homebush. Would certainly entice me.
2. Considering the next championships will be held in Qatar in September-October that could easily change.
3. Oh for sure, don’t get me started on eastern transport – I’m ridiculously blessed by Sydney standards over here in Petersham.
4. I have, but only for main events I admit – AFL sell out and Hordern gig . I guess what I’m getting at is there’s potential there as long as the whole area’s redeveloped not just Allianz Stadium. But with the proximity of Oxford St (similar distance to Swan St Richmond in Melbourne) you shouldn’t need anything special, just make it more enticing for people to come. Also, Homebush is much more of a ghost town than Moore Park, even on game days it’s dead.
5.
6. To be honest, I think we’re both arguing the same point, just which stadium deserves priority.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
I agree, and in all likelihood they explored that option but probably deemed it would be cheaper and quicker just to bulldoze it and rebuild. You’d have to vastly alter the original structure anyway.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
1. It may not be full, but it’ll certainly get more people in. Also, last year it hit it’s maximum attendance (although the English always travel well). It would easily sell out when the events reserved for ANZ are spread around. An example is the Bledisloe Cup. A sell out at Allianz sounds much better than just over half-full ANZ.
2. Maybe not Commonwealth Games (although who wouldn’t want to see the new Bolt) , but World Athletics Championships are a major drawcard for any city.
3. It is now, but doesn’t have to be. Light Rail could reinvigorate it
4. Which is exactly why it needs redeveloping. Maybe you could have spaces for proper kitchens, working beer taps, and open the area up.
5. Ok
6. I agree, but you can fit it for rectangular and other events – other stadiums around the world are doing it (such as the new Wembley).
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
I think the main reason they’re going to max 45’000 (with 30’000 capacity for lower-drawing fixtures) at Moore Park is a way of supporting the Light Rail.
I honestly believe that the Light Rail will bring a lot more people to Allianz, as currently it’s just not worth going. Currently you’ve got to either walk from central which isn’t the easiest hike for a lot of people, or catch a bus down Oxford St or Anzac Parade which doesn’t drop you nearly close enough to the stadium, and can be a pretty sterile and boring stroll. I’m making an effort to go more often, but a lot of the time it’s just not worth it.
However, if you have people cramming into the Light Rail, the atmosphere starts, kids get excited, and you walk over as a group. An even brighter idea would be to close off Foveaux St and allow people to march from central, ala MV fans.
Also, touching on Allianz – it’s currently a pretty crap place to watch football. Lines for drinks are usually long even with 10’000 people (never mind at the England game last year), the food options are terrible, and there’s not even covering for a lot of supporters. Furthermore, safety issues and toilet facilities (apparently a severe lack of female bathrooms) are not up to standard. Not sure if accomplishing that would’ve been any cheaper than knocking d
There’s a few issues with Homebush, not least only having two train platforms for the entire complex, but I’m sure others can elaborate on that.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness
I would like to point out that while Channel 9 are clearly not cottoning on to the whole “women in sport thing”, ABC are making waves with the likes of Alison Mitchell, Karen Tighe, Shannon Byrne, Jen Browning, etc.
Not sure what MMM and Macquarie are doing in this area though.
Women's sport weekly wrap: When too much sport is never enough
I don’t think so, I think if Ali and/or Bairstow are still around for the 2nd session they could go very quickly and aim to get at Australia late on when the ball will be doing a bit more.
England return to safety-first cricket in Ashes opener
Any reason for the amount of dropped ball? Looks pretty clear to me.
England vs Papua New Guinea: Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals live scores, blog
How that’s not a penalty at least is boggling.
England vs Papua New Guinea: Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals live scores, blog
Was Simmons playing? Completely anonymous tonight. Kepu grew in the 2nd half.
Foley and Genia the poorest for mine, especially with that 80% period of possession. Couldn’t control the game well enough to get over the line.
Finally… Always take the points!
England vs Wallabies: Spring Tour Test live scores, blog
I think you may have spoken a tad too soon there.
England vs Wallabies: Spring Tour Test live scores, blog
Yeah, no clue what happened there. I assume it was the same last week.
Must be they’ve only got TV feed and nothing else.
England vs Wallabies: Spring Tour Test live scores, blog
In front of the kicker and ran in the direction of the ball before being overtaken.
Stupid rule for mine as long as he’s not interfering before overtaken.
England vs Wallabies: Spring Tour Test live scores, blog
Just looked it up and apparently the last thing she’s written for SMH was back in April. Possibly working on a book?
Do the Wallabies shuffle or stick?
If you didn’t already think rugby league was out of touch with the international community, then some of the music choices should confirm that opinion.
Seriously, Chumbawumba?
Australia vs England: Rugby League World Cup highlights, live scores, blog
A quarter empty more appropriate.
Australia vs England: Rugby League World Cup highlights, live scores, blog
I see absolutely no reason why the NFL would do this. The huge preseason is what allows teams to develop and I don’t see any reason why coaches would want their players – after what’s already a physical season – going into another competition. Yes you talk about the 37 cut players, but who really wants to see a bunch of rejects turn out?
The suburban ground argument doesn’t really hold up when fans already flock to the games and enjoy the “game day experience”. Could you recreate the tailgate atmosphere of say Mercedes-Benz at a suburban ground? Doubtful. You could argue the game should be more accessible, but that’s an entirely separate argument on ticket price (I admit, I don’t know the average/minimum cost), merchandise, etc.
You’re also clashing with NBA finals which completely illogical. Networks would be unwilling to jump on board as they go into ratings and awards seasons and don’t want to devote too much coverage to the new league.
Furthermore, the NFL is already the global leader in marketing, awareness and outreach. What’s the point in changing anything?
All in all: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Does the NFL need a summer league?
Probably fixing safety issues, installing more toilets, improving the catering facilities, actually putting a proper roof on the stadium, and getting rid of those ridiculous screens.
To do all that, it would probably be cheaper just to knock the whole thing down and start again rather than revamp it.
Forget the upgrades, virtual stadiums will save you
Yeah, and now Canada’s most populous city, as well as New York. The international game is growing, and long may it continue!
International rugby league? Be careful what you wish for
Exactly, and a nice touch in the lead up to each race would be a little detail on the host city/track and it’s history – especially areas like Brazil, Mexico, Japan which has fantastic recent history.
That world feed would be brilliant, although given the sway Sky holds with F1 (surely the #1 partner other than maybe Pirelli) I wouldn’t hold your breath. You’d have to convince some of the synonymous voices to come over too.
Yes absolutely, that would be a great step. As a casual F1 follower at the moment nothing engages me to connect with F3 but I’d definitely prefer it in the race lead-up compared to talking heads.
This really should be in cooperation with FTA though, especially in this country and the UK where pay-TV numbers are around Australian levels. I don’t know the story in the rest of Europe or Asia are though – I’m sure Liberty will be very interested in those makes though.
Can Formula One survive a post-free-to-air world?
I believe there is definitely a market there as long as the product being offered is worthwhile. A case in point (and very un-scientific) is the amount of NBA/NFL league passes my (mostly millenial) friends have.
They’re able to watch any game, HD, in full or highlighted and able to keep up with the breaking stories/drafts/pre-season.
Comparatively, I have no idea if anyone has NRL/AFL passes and tbh don’t even know if they’re still available.
Something I believe could be done much better in F1 is explaining all the technical details in regards to tyres, hybrid engines, etc. Admittedly, the commentary team already does a great job of this, but newcomers would have no idea what’s going on. Although I guess it requires people actually knowing all the intricacies of F1 which would be a feat in itself.
Also, it would be good to see profiles of up-and-coming drivers so we get to know them before they burst on the scene. Nothing like raving about a kid to your mates and bragging when he makes it.
Can Formula One survive a post-free-to-air world?
I completely disagree with that, especially when you’re stuck under one of the overhanging balconies with a pole obstructing your view. Or you’re stuck in row 5 on the sideline with it storming and you’re completely exposed to the elements.
Suncorp and AAMI have far better views for rectangular sports venues and actually have a proper roof.
The New South Wales stadium policy is madness