FEATHERSTONE ROVERS aim to produce their Sunday best on a regular basis this year as they try to get more spectators clicking through the turnstiles at the busy Millennium Stadium.
Chairman Paddy Handley and chief executive Martin Vickers are delighted with the early uptake of season-tickets, with the former saying: “We have sold considerably more than at this time twelve months ago.”
After reviewing last season’s sales statistics, Rovers have particularly targeted the 18 to 25 age group, and Hadley added: “We’re not there yet, but it’s a pleasing start.”
Handley has backed an ambitious recruitment drive by team chief James Ford, who took Featherstone to last year’s play-offs on a budget which was much-reduced after Rovers missed out on promotion to Super League in 2023.
And after a spell working at York, former Super League stand-off Paul Cooke has joined Ian Hardman on Ford’s coaching team.
Seven out of 13 home Championship games are set for Sundays, starting with the season-opener against Doncaster on February 16, and Vickers explained: “The feedback we’ve had from fans is that’s their preferred day.
“When there is a deviation, it tends to be to avoid a crossover with local events, such as Pontefract Races, because we want fans to be able to enjoy both attractions.”
With Sunday meetings on June 22 and July 27, Featherstone host Halifax on Friday, June 20 and London Broncos on Saturday, July 26.
Rovers have three home warm-up games, against Goole this Sunday, Dewsbury on Saturday, January 18 and Huddersfield on Sunday, February 2.
Meanwhile the Millennium Stadium has been well used of late, with a weekend double-header between Christmas and New Year.
Groundshare partners Wakefield Football Club drew 0-0 with Harrogate Railway Athletic in a Northern Counties East League First Division fixture on the Saturday before Sharlston Rovers beat Cutsyke Raiders 18-16 in the BARLA Yorkshire Cup final the following day.