Thursday, March 26, 2009

(Un)Crowded House

Quite a bit of debate today as Wales head to 2 home World Cup Qualifiers against Finland and Germany with very poor crowds expected.


Finland were the visiting nation to play at Millennium Stadium not so long ago and that was in front of a 72,500 crowd. This weekend, only 15,000 tickets have been sold and the FAW aren't bracing themselves for too many more.


Germany always fill the ground and, while at this stage, ticket sales haven't been announced, home sales and believed to be little more while the gate will be bigger due to the Germans attending.


So how/why has it come to this? Some blame poor marketing but that's an excuse, not a reason. After all, they never marketed any/much differently when we sold out the ground. There are clear reasons why they're not being well attended.

- They're dead rubbers. We got talent and promise and could be witnessing the birth of the next excellent Welsh side but we got no chance of qualification this time. I'm as optimistic as the next man but realistic too.

- Promotions not marketing would have made a difference but the FAW are too worried about upsetting Tournament Ticket holders so would rather preserve 15,000 than say, like at price reductions, 2 for 1 promotions, a special Buy a Finland ticket and get Germany for free or £5, take your wife/kids for free etc. Why not free tickets for schools just to come a crowd? In tough times, people need reasons and encouragment to spend.

- I bet it's not just me who begrudges paying 10% booking fee in top and then £5 to post them out to line the pockets of Ticketline. It's poor practise for an event like this.

- It is souless at games. I hate being confined to one side on the ground just to look good for tv. Those of s there have to look at empty seats on three sides. There's more atmosphere on the moon.

- Yet again, players have been cocooned in the hotel all week - they should spend a few hours visiting tv/radio stations, signing sessions in city centres etc and more. What have they done to sell the game?

- Like many football fans in South Wales, following Cardiff or Swansea on a play-off/promotion run in costs enough but is more exciting - that's where my money is going. I can't afford both. I'm saving my money to follow the away trips on the run-in.


What does make me laugh though are one-eyed non-thinking rugby fans gloating how they would fill it if they played Flatholm. As if they have a point!

Let's face it, rugby fans follow the event. All bar a minority only show up 5 times a year to watch the sport and that's when Wales play. Where the hell are all these people the other 30 weeks of the season when Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and co cannot muster a combined crowd to match Cardiff City??

Football fans follow the sport and are there every week which is why City, Swans and co get big crowds and it's many of those same face who are there with Wales as well.




It needs the FAW to take a lead to fill a 78,000 stadium in timkes like there.

They've done nothing so they get nothing.


No comments: