23 replies to this topic

[Southern Tiger]

Looks like the best play-off series ever is about to begin, I would imagine that three of the four ties next weekend will post huge gates if not produce sell-out crowds which after last years disapointing turn outs is surely not before time. Is this a vindication of a) the play off system, b salary capping and standards leveling out or c) improving entertainment value of the game? discuss.

Edited by Southern Tiger, 06 September 2010 - 10:54 AM.

[no13benny]

The crowds haven't turned up yet. If anyone is able to be unenthusiastic about non season ticket games, it's RL fans, or is it? This weekend will prove it one way or another.

[Cliff Spracklen]

Looks like the best play-off series ever is about to begin,

Agree totally. Starting with Bramley Buffaloes v Warrington Wizards this coming Saturday at the Arthur Miller Stadium, Stanningley, ko 2.30pm, in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Qualifying semi-final.
One versus two and the closest of rivals. Get there early!

[XIII]

This weekend of super league play off games, has thrown up the 3 fixtures that will arguably please the neutrals.

Saints v Wire - Can't remember the last one that was not a classic, and will wire finally do it!!

Hull v Hull KR - Should be even more Fire with it being play off knockout.

Wigan v Leeds - Again always classics and the winner will be in the driving seat to get to Old Trafford.

I for one can't wait for the weekend!!

[3owls]

I don't know what the ticketing policy is at the other three matches but as a season ticket holder i picked up two tickets today at £3 cheaper than match day admission, cost £13. Wigans ticket prices are great value for money even if most of their fans only ever see the first 70 minutes of the game.

[Wellsy4HullFC]

Looks like the best play-off series ever is about to begin, I would imagine that three of the four ties next weekend will post huge gates if not produce sell-out crowds which after last years disapointing turn outs is surely not before time. Is this a vindication of a) the play off system, b salary capping and standards leveling out or c) improving entertainment value of the game? discuss.

You forgot d) a very lucky coincidence that has left us with 3 of the biggest ties in the SL at the biggest ground of the two teams.

[Lee]

We got a game too, against crusaders i think

[Old Frightful]

We got a game too, against crusaders i think

Sorry?...who did you say you were again?

[Lee]

Sorry?...who did you say you were again?

Just that pissy little club that happened by chance to hit the 8 again this year

[Emosi Koloto]

We got a game too, against crusaders i think

It may well be the best of the lot, it is sudden death and both teams in good form. I get the feeling Crusaders will be right up for this and the Giants will need to be at their best.

[Maximus Decimus]

It's a sad fact that these games will almost definitely have lower crowds than their regular Super League games.

Even though they are mouthwatering clashes with some of them big derbies, the evidence from previous seasons suggests that they will be distinctly average crowds. Even Saints Wigan last year didn't sellout.

They should find a way to include them in season tickets because it's detrimental to the playoffs to see lower crowds than usual.

[MrPosh]

Looks like the best play-off series ever is about to begin, I would imagine that three of the four ties next weekend will post huge gates if not produce sell-out crowds which after last years disapointing turn outs is surely not before time. Is this a vindication of a) the play off system, b salary capping and standards leveling out or c) improving entertainment value of the game? discuss.

Which three do you think will post huge crowds?

[Dave T]

It's a sad fact that these games will almost definitely have lower crowds than their regular Super League games.

Even though they are mouthwatering clashes with some of them big derbies, the evidence from previous seasons suggests that they will be distinctly average crowds. Even Saints Wigan last year didn't sellout.

They should find a way to include them in season tickets because it's detrimental to the playoffs to see lower crowds than usual.

These suffer from exactly the same problem that the Challenge Cup does. I am surprised that all the games don't have a reduced price, it is £17.50 to stand at Saints.

[Maximus Decimus]

These suffer from exactly the same problem that the Challenge Cup does. I am surprised that all the games don't have a reduced price, it is £17.50 to stand at Saints.

I know. I think the problem is that the RFL take all gate receipts from the games meaning they are unlikely to change it.

Last year there were only 6,000 at a playoff game involving Saints and Huddersfield and 4,000 for Wakefield against Catalans. It hardly does wonders for the prestige of the playoffs.

[Dave T]

I know. I think the problem is that the RFL take all gate receipts from the games meaning they are unlikely to change it.

Last year there were only 6,000 at a playoff game involving Saints and Huddersfield and 4,000 for Wakefield against Catalans. It hardly does wonders for the prestige of the playoffs.

I certainly hope this year's will be better than last years, Warrington should take a load to KR, and in turn the Saints fans should respond in numbers, if you get over 12k it looks ok on TV.

Wigan fans have backed their team this year, so hopefully they will get a decent amount, although I wouldn't b surprised if it was around the 12k mark.

Hull v KR has a good chance of a good crowd, although I would expect 15k rather than over 20k that this game would often get.

Hudds v Crusaders is the worrying one, but I can live with one looking bad on TV compared to pretty much all of them last year!

I believe that Hudds have some tickets at £5 in one of their stands, and kids free, so I don't believe it is consistent pricing at all the games.

[adelwire]

some cracking ties - get yourself along to enjoy some great rugby league

[Dave T]

I know. I think the problem is that the RFL take all gate receipts from the games meaning they are unlikely to change it.

In fact looking again, it seems that every game is priced differently:

Wigan v Leeds
North Stand £16 - ST Holders £13 (from Leeds site)

Saints v Wire
Advanced ground £17.50 - Matchday £19

Hull FC v Hull KR
Family ticket £60 (compared to £35 at Wigan and £40 at Saints)
Hull KR are selling tickets for £23

Hudds v Crusaders
£5 limited tickets
£15
Free primary school kids

Surely if the RFL were in charge of ticketing then there would be some consistncy here, I suspect that it is the same as the Challenge Cup where the two clubs need to agree.

Either way, I don't feel these are necessarily competitive prices, especially when you are asking £11 for some kids tickets.

[adelwire]

Agree - we just do not learn regarding kids entrance. £11 is too much by about £8

[Old Frightful]

Hull v KR has a good chance of a good crowd, although I would expect 15k rather than over 20k that this game would often get.

If this game's not close to a sell out, I'll be amazed.

[Dave T]

If this game's not close to a sell out, I'll be amazed.

After I wrote that I noticed that Hull KR have already sold 3k and had a further 2k sent on.

I was basing it on the fact that the game got 20k in the league where over 10k will have been in on season tickets. I would expect this would be lower, but will be very happy if I'm wrong about that.