NRL crowd numbers in decline... but why? - By Mary

This morning, an article has appeared in the Daily Telegraph which discusses the dwindling NRL crowd numbers. Crowd numbers have reduced from a round 4 average of 22,388 to a round 19 average of 11,480. Read more here.

What the NRL needs to focus on now is why crowds are in decline and what the NRL as a code can do to improve crowd numbers. 

There are a number of reasons that I think contribute to dwindling crowd numbers. I'll discuss each of them in turn.

First of all, I think the NRL has shown tremendous disrespect to people who would prefer to attend matches in favour of seeking to obtain higher ratings and a greater viewer base at home. This can be seen in a number of ways. Firstly, the introduction of Thursday and Monday night football. For viewers at home, these games are fantastic. It means that there is NRL on television more nights than not during the week meaning that people watching at home have no excuse for not getting their NRL fix.

I am a fan who prefers to watch my football live. I love the atmosphere and get a real buzz from being close to the action, cheering my lungs out and being part of the game day atmosphere. However, like most people, I work and having to leave work early on a Thursday or a Monday to attend the football is near impossible. It is also a battle even on a Friday night. These means that the games I am most likely to attend are those that happen on a Saturday or a Sunday and depending on how your team is treated in regard to scheduling, this means that the games I can actually attend are few in number. Professionals are not the only ones who would struggle to get to Thursday or Monday night games. Those with young children I am sure would have problems keeping the little ones up that late, especially if they have to attend school the next day.

The Daily Telegraph's article is a little unfair I think in comparing Round 4 and Round 19 crowd averages. There are many supporters out there who find it difficult to attend matches when their team is not winning. In Round 4 there is potentially more hope that your team can turn its fortunes around. By Round 19, especially if you are a Parramatta supporter, the season is basically over. This can also discourage crowd attendance. A more useful comparison would be average crowds at Round 19 in 2012 compared with average crowds at Round 19 in 2013.

There are a series of other reasons why crowds are down. The article seems to suggest that it is because of missing superstars over origin. Perhaps the cost of attendance also needs to be looked at. Living costs are rising and people have less disposable income. Attending the football with a family is a costly exercise and with many teams underperforming this year, many think, why bother?

Scheduling also remains a problem. As a fan who likes to travel, it is often difficult to plan a trip interstate when the day of the game has not been announced far enough in advance to book decently price flights and accomodation. Poor scheduling is also a problem. The Eels played a game in Mudgee this year - brilliant idea. I would have loved to attend. However, the game was scheduled on a Sunday making it absolutely impossible to attend and be back for work on Monday.

NRL crowds are often also compared to AFL crowds. I think this is an unfair comparison and a comparison which means essentially comparing apples and oranges. As we all know, AFL is based in Melbourne and Melbourne absolutely lives and breathes AFL. It is a similar scenario for  Perth and Adelaide who show a preference towards the AFL based on them having teams based in these capital cities. While the NRL is based primarily in Sydney, sporting culture in Sydney, I would argue is more diverse. In Sydney it is not uncommon to find people passionate about NRL, Rugby Union and AFL, meaning that crowds are dispersed between three different codes, rather than one.

If the NRL wants to get its crowds back, there are a number of things it needs to sort out - consistency of refereeing should be a start. But I also suggest that the NRL starts showing some respect to the people who like to attend home games.

Love,

@LadiesWhoLeague