Should the Renegades move to the MCG?

[MightyFighting]

It seems that the most common reason people give for supporting the Stars is that they play at the MCG. We see a similar thing in the AFL, where the MCG teams have been able to grow their crowds and membership numbers faster than the Docklands teams. Are the Renegades holding themselves back by playing at a ground few people like?

There is, of course, another pressing reason to consider a move. Last weekend's crowd wouldn't fit in the Docklands. Few would have expected the BBL to grow as fast as it has, but we are now at the point where the Renegades should be playing their home derbies (and presumably any finals they host) at the MCG. So it's probably better just to move in.

 

[CakeEater]

Im pretty sure the next derby is at the Mcg as well.

 

[eth-dog]

No, the whole point of playing it at that Stadium is because they didn't want to be at the MCG.

 

[Andrew Mc]

Im pretty sure the next derby is at the Mcg as well.

Nope, Etihad on the 9th. I think it's good they have their own ground though, and it has more than enough seats for all non-derby games.

 

[2006_Eagles]

something something Chris Gayle

 

[bombersfan4000]

something something Chris Gayle

No its an etihad whinge something something the hawks thanks to old Jeff setting up a heap of government sponsorship & for the Hawks to play at the MCG

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I know they got 81,000 give and take but there are zero guarantees they will get that again and 55,000 fully packed is a great sight.

 

[JUBJUB]

No having them play at Eddiehad is good.It's only one game they'd fill the stadium,otherwise 30,000 or so would probably be the most.

 

[eddiesmith]

25,000 is the biggest crowd they have had at Etihad for a non derby, but that is probably held down by the fact most people don't want to go there

Let them stay there for another year or 2 until they eventually get relocated...

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

It seems that the most common reason people give for supporting the Stars is that they play at the MCG. We see a similar thing in the AFL, where the MCG teams have been able to grow their crowds and membership numbers faster than the Docklands teams. Are the Renegades holding themselves back by playing at a ground few people like?

There is, of course, another pressing reason to consider a move. Last weekend's crowd wouldn't fit in the Docklands. Few would have expected the BBL to grow as fast as it has, but we are now at the point where the Renegades should be playing their home derbies (and presumably any finals they host) at the MCG. So it's probably better just to move in.

How packed was the MCC? That's probably 15,000-20,000 just there. And if they had two MCG derbies, you'd probably see significantly less at each. I can't imagine that many people would go to both, so close to each other. They'd just pick the one of the two games that is more convenient, or their team's home game.

 

[Bomberboyokay]

When they sell out every game in a season they'll consider this.

 

[Oaktree]

Half the fun of the derby is going to both stadiums for the games.

Each side does their best to make you feel you are in enemy territory.

 

[eddiesmith]

Yep, one of the problems with everyone having the same home grounds in the AFL is you have to check before games whose home game it is

Worst is you look at the fixture, Bulldogs at Etihad, that's an away game, oh wait, no its not, that's great fixturing!

 

[Papa G]

The average Malbun dickhead hate of Etihad is mind boggling.

 

[nobbyiscool]

As others have said, this is a completely pointless discussion given the Renegades have never once sold out Etihad, and when the stadium and the colours are really the only points of difference between the 2 Melbourne sides.

And that's really the reason why they shouldn't, and they won't move - unlike Sydney, were there is a clear differentiation between the "east" team and the "west" team, there is no such differentiation here in Melbourne. As you see here on BF when people discuss why they chose their team, proximity to and ease of getting to each ground is one of the reasons people chose their team.

If you remove that differentiation, all that's left are colours and personalities, and I've never believed that personalities should dictate alliances, cos players, coaches and administrators will all eventually move on.

 

[Bomberboyokay]

The average Malbun dickhead hate of Etihad is mind boggling.

The haters are usually tightwads who want to sit on level 1 for GA prices. And Collingwood supporters looking for excuses in losing seasons.

 

[CD__]

Etihad provides a great atmosphere for cricket and the games are generally high-scoring, can't understand all the negativity surrounding it.

 

[ioppolo]

Why bring the two Melbourne teams closer than they already are?

 

[Mingo]

As others have said, this is a completely pointless discussion given the Renegades have never once sold out Etihad, and when the stadium and the colours are really the only points of difference between the 2 Melbourne sides.

And that's really the reason why they shouldn't, and they won't move - unlike Sydney, were there is a clear differentiation between the "east" team and the "west" team, there is no such differentiation here in Melbourne. As you see here on BF when people discuss why they chose their team, proximity to and ease of getting to each ground is one of the reasons people chose their team.

If you remove that differentiation, all that's left are colours and personalities, and I've never believed that personalities should dictate alliances, cos players, coaches and administrators will all eventually move on.

I chose the Renegades because they didn't seem like arrogant bastards like the Stars did

 

[Ross Titute]

I thought the whole Melbourne vs Melbourne thing was s**t so I decided to go for the Scorchers.

 

[Freo Big Fella]

The average Malbun dickhead hate of Etihad is mind boggling.

The fact they refuse to attend one of the best stadiums in the country - even when their footy/cricket club is playing at home - has always shown them up as just as big a mob of theatre-goers as their Sydney counterparts.

 

[nobbyiscool]

I thought the whole Melbourne vs Melbourne thing was s**t so I decided to go for the Scorchers.

What are your thoughts on that in light of 80k at the 'G last Saturday?

I always thought it was one of the major learnings that BBL took from the A-League - nearly everyone advising the FFA suggested derbies in Sydney and in Melbourne from the start, but they ignored the advice for reasons around exclusivity and getting people to tip money in.

The success of the Sydney derby, along with the relative lack of success of Melbourne Heart/City, while at completely opposite ends of the scale, I think prove that they absolutely should've had those derbies from the start if possible.

 

[Scotland]

I always hear about how hard Etihad is to get to (which is bullshit, but I digress...) compared to the MCG. Surely if it's harder for people coming from the S/E then it's easier for people coming from the N/W?

I like the two teams, two grounds thing. Crowds of 80,000 are a rarity, and the prospect of Renegades home games against the Stars selling out encourages Renegades fans to buy memberships.

 

[nobbyiscool]

I always hear about how hard Etihad is to get to (which is bullshit, but I digress...) compared to the MCG. Surely if it's harder for people coming from the S/E then it's easier for people coming from the N/W?

I like the two teams, two grounds thing. Crowds of 80,000 are a rarity, and the prospect of Renegades home games against the Stars selling out encourages Renegades fans to buy memberships.

I dunno if that was directed at me or not, but I was only talking about me - yes, I live in the hipster northern suburbs, and it's much quicker and easier for me to get to the G.

I don't know how the trains work in other suburbs, but I'd imagine that if your train didn't stop at Jolimont or Richmond stations it would be much of a muchness.

 

[Speedie41]

I always hear about how hard Etihad is to get to (which is bullshit, but I digress...) compared to the MCG. Surely if it's harder for people coming from the S/E then it's easier for people coming from the N/W?

Yes it is easier to get to and from Etihad from the N/W, only because you don't have to get off a train and walk across to the next platform to catch a train to Richmond.