"Boutique" Stadium

[stretcharmstrong]

I think the AFL contractually has to schedule one home game for every Victorian club there as part of the contract they have with the stadiums operators, whether we like it or not. Im pretty sure Richmond is in the same boat and had to play a home game against West Coast at the start of the season there.

There is a definite disadvantage (in terms of ability to pull a crowd) for us playing late in the year there. When all the hope and optimism has fizzled out of the season...

Although, if we were on the cusp it would be different obviously...

 

[Bluelegs]

I think the AFL contractually has to schedule one home game for every Victorian club there as part of the contract they have with the stadiums operators, whether we like it or not. Im pretty sure Richmond is in the same boat and had to play a home game against West Coast at the start of the season there.

Hawthorn don't.

 

[MUYB]

Is it feasible or viable to close the top deck of the G? especially for games that are likely to draw 20k or less

No thanks, top deck of the members is the best seat in the house!

 

[Captain Jack]

Is it feasible or viable to close the top deck of the G? especially for games that are likely to draw 20k or less

I don't think they would bother closing it entirely because some people do want to sit up there... But Epicure will only open certain outlets up there based on crowd predictions. Some of the bars up the top of the Southern Stand are only open 2-3 times a year (in September), and there would be almost none open for most Melbourne games.

 

[Syrus]

Hawthorn don't.

I assume thats because they probably play in Tassie. Or maybe it has been subsidised because Collingwood has to play 2 of their home games there this year.

I can only assume thats why all the clubs have to, however next time im taking a dump on Ian Collins doorstep, i might ring the doorbell and ask him for you.

 

[Big_Ed]

MCG > Boutique Stadium > Etihad

 

[MUYB]

MCG > Boutique Stadium > Etihad

MCG > Boutique Stadium > Casey Fields > Local High School > Local Primary School > My Back Yard > Pentridge Exercise Yard > Victoria Park > Etihad Stadium

 

[melbournemartin]

We've played at the stadium for 150 ******* years.

Short answer is NOO

No we haven't.

 

[Blackas87]

No thanks, top deck of the members is the best seat in the house!

What people actually pay for a reserve seat on the top level? Why when when there is plenty of seats up there for general admission.

MCG > Boutique Stadium > Casey Fields > Local High School > Local Primary School > My Back Yard > Pentridge Exercise Yard > Victoria Park > Etihad Stadium

Etihad isn't that bad, it's a world class stadium, don't think some people realize how lucky we are to live in this city.

 

[AllenJakovich13]

Think Im one of the few that doesnt mind etihad (nothing beats the G of course).. however the apartments going up right next to it are shocking, who the hell would want to live right there!?

 

[MUYB]

What people actually pay for a reserve seat on the top level? Why when when there is plenty of seats up there for general admission.

Who said I paid for reserved seats? Walk up.

 

[CTHORANGE]

I think the AFL contractually has to schedule one home game for every Victorian club there as part of the contract they have with the stadiums operators, whether we like it or not. Im pretty sure Richmond is in the same boat and had to play a home game against West Coast at the start of the season there.

I reckon you are right about a contract, but I believe the contract is more that the AFL has to schedule X amount of games at Etihad Stadium, and when you have teams like St Kilda and Carlton who are desperate to get away from Etihad and play home games at the G, it leaves teams like Richmond, Collingwood and Melbourne to fill in some of the gaps. For example St Kilda has at least two home games at the G this year; against us and Hawthorn (I think). It's absurd that the AFL can schedule a home teams game away from their home without their permission, so that other teams can escape their home ground because they can't make much money there, completely ridiculous.

 

[00Stinger]

The AFL will NOT allow a boutique stadium in Melbourne, it's not practical for them. They want to grow the game in the far reaches of Australia, but can't put a team in every place, it's not viable. But what is viable is to have Melbourne based teams, which have a supporter base, play games in these remote venues.

Why give Tasmania a team when you get Melbourne based teams to play6-8 games a year there anyway. Hell it's only 3 less then what a permanent Tassie side would have. Look at Cairns, Darwin & Canberra. None of them can support a team of their own, but Vic teams can play 2-3 there a year without overfilling the interest to the locals. Makes sense for the clubs because they make money, rather than losing it.

There is not enough money to keep all of the Vic clubs solely in Victoria. But if the struggling teams play a couple in remote areas it's a money making exercise for them. Not to mention spreading their brand. By building a boutique stadium in Melbourne where the lesser teams will play certain games so they can reduces their losses will take the AFL away from their agenda. Will not happen