Rather than trying to attract casuals do wonder if the Phoenix have ever thought of contacting ex members and offering them some of the deals they do to others. Say $20 tickets to the last 4 games. In saying that its actually something i hate. You renew your membership EVERY season at what seems an ever increasing cost only then to watch during the season others offered special deals and freebies.
The take a kid for free promotion worked well on Waitangi Day. You would have to be a bit churlish not to support that again. Kids are the next generation of supporters, after all.
The take a kid for free promotion worked well on Waitangi Day. You would have to be a bit churlish not to support that again. Kids are the next generation of supporters, after all.
And they rarely get drunk and fight with the opposition supporters
The take a kid for free promotion worked well on Waitangi Day. You would have to be a bit churlish not to support that again. Kids are the next generation of supporters, after all.
And they rarely get drunk and fight with the opposition supporters
Although judging by the videos of that incident some of the Nix supporters involved were younger than you'd expect.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
Good chat, but Corin Dann seemed to imply that even if we got to Grand Final we would have to play it in Sydney. Is that still a thing? I thought that "deal" was abandoned after last year.
After the interview they acknowledged callers who were correcting him on that.
Good chat, but Corin Dann seemed to imply that even if we got to Grand Final we would have to play it in Sydney. Is that still a thing? I thought that "deal" was abandoned after last year.
After the interview they acknowledged callers who were correcting him on that.
Thanks for that, saves me from writing a pedantic email to RNZ :-)
The take a kid for free promotion worked well on Waitangi Day. You would have to be a bit churlish not to support that again. Kids are the next generation of supporters, after all.
And they rarely get drunk and fight with the opposition supporters
Although judging by the videos of that incident some of the Nix supporters involved were younger than you'd expect.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
Really? 20 years ago, a Ranfurly Shield game with Wellington as the holders would have attracted minimum 20k at the Stadium rather than a few hundred. It clearly shows how Rugby is dying in particular Wellington. We are the Wellington Phoenix as opposed to The Wellington Rugby Team. The Hurricanes are a Regional Team. So even if you look at say the Hurricanes playing an Aussie or Pacific Franchise, the crowds are small, except when they play another NZ team. Wait until next year when we have a Derby and see the crowd size increase.
Remembering the Nix are a club side and the Lions are a local regional side and the Canes are a large regional side. I think the Nix attendances hold up well in comparison and Rugby is meant to be the most popular sport allegedly.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
Really? 20 years ago, a Ranfurly Shield game with Wellington as the holders would have attracted minimum 20k at the Stadium rather than a few hundred. It clearly shows how Rugby is dying in particular Wellington. We are the Wellington Phoenix as opposed to The Wellington Rugby Team. The Hurricanes are a Regional Team. So even if you look at say the Hurricanes playing an Aussie or Pacific Franchise, the crowds are small, except when they play another NZ team. Wait until next year when we have a Derby and see the crowd size increase.
I think many rugby fans could be a bit shocked how big a deal the Nix v Auckland derby games will be. All this time, there has been a latent football fan base in NZ, waiting for this. Travelling fans, with hopefully supporter groups standing at either end chanting. Has the potential, to be big, and a very unique sporting experience in NZ. Potential.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
Really? 20 years ago, a Ranfurly Shield game with Wellington as the holders would have attracted minimum 20k at the Stadium rather than a few hundred. It clearly shows how Rugby is dying in particular Wellington. We are the Wellington Phoenix as opposed to The Wellington Rugby Team. The Hurricanes are a Regional Team. So even if you look at say the Hurricanes playing an Aussie or Pacific Franchise, the crowds are small, except when they play another NZ team. Wait until next year when we have a Derby and see the crowd size increase.
I was more commenting on the scale and international nature of the competitions. And although the Hurricanes are no longer called the Wellington Hurricanes, and the Phoenix ARE called the Wellington Phoenix, I'd argue that both teams represent more than Wellington city. The Phoenix, at least, represent the Greater Wellington region, and with games played allover the country, they represent more than that.
There needs to be some campaign for the last 4 games.
Maybe the Fever could run one if the club isn’t? Get the car out, have days for wearing your kit before a game or midweek or something, lots of socials to share, randomly giving out some tickets…I dunno I’m sharke at this, but I’m sure there are some millennials/gen Z there somewhere…
The players did it themselves when it was for the AWs and the WC, Browny, Siggie, Bertos and others.
Trying to think of some kind of slogan. 4 games of destiny…4 more for the cup…title virgins seek party times…4 more to Phoenix City!…We don’t know how lucky we are!
Someone needs to turn it up to 11, because this is big!
It is called Fever Friday.
A couple of people were out a week or so ago trying to drum up support along Lambton (I think). I've heard there is a plan to do it again. Hit the Fever up if you/anyone can help out over a lunch time handing out flyers to strangers in Wellington CBD.
At the end of the day, The Phoenix (& Auckland will be) a club side. NOT a regional side, a club side. Looking forward to the games and hearing, "You're not singing any more" when one side scores over the other.
At the end of the day, The Phoenix (& Auckland will be) a club side. NOT a regional side, a club side. Looking forward to the games and hearing, "You're not singing any more" when one side scores over the other.
I agree. I may live in Christchurch, but have no problems with Phoenix being my club that I support. Nothing to do with either city- or regional representation. It's more complicated than that, and possibly purely emotional.
There needs to be some campaign for the last 4 games.
Maybe the Fever could run one if the club isn’t? Get the car out, have days for wearing your kit before a game or midweek or something, lots of socials to share, randomly giving out some tickets…I dunno I’m sharke at this, but I’m sure there are some millennials/gen Z there somewhere…
The players did it themselves when it was for the AWs and the WC, Browny, Siggie, Bertos and others.
Trying to think of some kind of slogan. 4 games of destiny…4 more for the cup…title virgins seek party times…4 more to Phoenix City!…We don’t know how lucky we are!
Someone needs to turn it up to 11, because this is big!
It is called Fever Friday.
A couple of people were out a week or so ago trying to drum up support along Lambton (I think). I've heard there is a plan to do it again. Hit the Fever up if you/anyone can help out over a lunch time handing out flyers to strangers in Wellington CBD.
Could be a problem with getting people for Fever Friday on the 1st of March as the club are holding a members get together and would imagine that may count a few out.
At the end of the day, The Phoenix (& Auckland will be) a club side. NOT a regional side, a club side. Looking forward to the games and hearing, "You're not singing any more" when one side scores over the other.
I agree. I may live in Christchurch, but have no problems with Phoenix being my club that I support. Nothing to do with either city- or regional representation. It's more complicated than that, and possibly purely emotional.
*This* is real life.
How many <insert premier league club> supporters who are not from <insert premier league club home town> or even set foot there.
You support whoever you support for your own reasons… * they’re my local club. * I like their style of play. * They were the best team when I started watching football. * My dad supported them. * I went to a couple of their games as a kid. * The play in yellow like my own club. * Hoddle played for them. * My mates support Liverpool so I do too. * My mates support United so I support City. * I got a Westham shirt from my uncle * My brother played against Bournemouth when they toured here.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
Really? 20 years ago, a Ranfurly Shield game with Wellington as the holders would have attracted minimum 20k at the Stadium rather than a few hundred. It clearly shows how Rugby is dying in particular Wellington. We are the Wellington Phoenix as opposed to The Wellington Rugby Team. The Hurricanes are a Regional Team. So even if you look at say the Hurricanes playing an Aussie or Pacific Franchise, the crowds are small, except when they play another NZ team. Wait until next year when we have a Derby and see the crowd size increase.
I was more commenting on the scale and international nature of the competitions. And although the Hurricanes are no longer called the Wellington Hurricanes, and the Phoenix ARE called the Wellington Phoenix, I'd argue that both teams represent more than Wellington city. The Phoenix, at least, represent the Greater Wellington region, and with games played allover the country, they represent more than that.
I have lost you. My point was that Wellington Rugby has major problems compared to The Nix in terms of crowds and you somehow think that we have to take the Hurricanes into account.
Some Wellington Football club teams get bigger crowds than the Wellington Rugby team which is not hard to do. Rugby in Wellington is clearly dying.
Their problems are not solely with crowds. Compare how many senior women's and men's teams Rugby has to Football Clubs and you will see that Football is at least 4 times bigger.
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
whatever
If you think we have problems with crowds at the stadium, consider Wellington Rugby's plight. Their crowds were so small (only a few hundred for Ranfurly Shield games when they were the holders) that they will now play their home games at Porirua Park probably also in front of a few hundred.
yes it's bad, but it's not really the same thing. Phoenix to Hurricanes is the better comparison
Really? 20 years ago, a Ranfurly Shield game with Wellington as the holders would have attracted minimum 20k at the Stadium rather than a few hundred. It clearly shows how Rugby is dying in particular Wellington. We are the Wellington Phoenix as opposed to The Wellington Rugby Team. The Hurricanes are a Regional Team. So even if you look at say the Hurricanes playing an Aussie or Pacific Franchise, the crowds are small, except when they play another NZ team. Wait until next year when we have a Derby and see the crowd size increase.
I was more commenting on the scale and international nature of the competitions. And although the Hurricanes are no longer called the Wellington Hurricanes, and the Phoenix ARE called the Wellington Phoenix, I'd argue that both teams represent more than Wellington city. The Phoenix, at least, represent the Greater Wellington region, and with games played allover the country, they represent more than that.
I have lost you. My point was that Wellington Rugby has major problems compared to The Nix in terms of crowds and you somehow think that we have to take the Hurricanes into account.
Some Wellington Football club teams get bigger crowds than the Wellington Rugby team which is not hard to do. Rugby in Wellington is clearly dying.
Their problems are not solely with crowds. Compare how many senior women's and men's teams Rugby has to Football Clubs and you will see that Football is at least 4 times bigger.
I thinks its more that the support for professional rugby is dying. I've seen hundrends/maybe a thousand attending a local game at Rongotai, cowd was well invested. Yet at an NPC game all you see is yellow, same at a Super Rugby game, unless it's a final or a big derby. The Nix get regular crowds of 5k-6k which would easily top the rugby. The only reason NPC/Hurricanes get to conitnue is the money that flows from the NZR. They dont rely on attendance to fund them, help them buy players etc.
There needs to be some campaign for the last 4 games.
Maybe the Fever could run one if the club isn’t? Get the car out, have days for wearing your kit before a game or midweek or something, lots of socials to share, randomly giving out some tickets…I dunno I’m sharke at this, but I’m sure there are some millennials/gen Z there somewhere…
The players did it themselves when it was for the AWs and the WC, Browny, Siggie, Bertos and others.
Trying to think of some kind of slogan. 4 games of destiny…4 more for the cup…title virgins seek party times…4 more to Phoenix City!…We don’t know how lucky we are!
Someone needs to turn it up to 11, because this is big!
It is called Fever Friday.
A couple of people were out a week or so ago trying to drum up support along Lambton (I think). I've heard there is a plan to do it again. Hit the Fever up if you/anyone can help out over a lunch time handing out flyers to strangers in Wellington CBD.
Could be a problem with getting people for Fever Friday on the 1st of March as the club are holding a members get together and would imagine that may count a few out.
Fair. I did omit that there is another part to Fever Friday which was just wearing some Nix related merch for the day. So if people couldn't hand out flyers, being decked out in ones finest black and yellow clobber might start conversations around work or wherever and create some buzz. It has been a long time since these were last held so apologies.
I'd hope before the next home games there are Phoenix players/staff handing out brochures outside the station in the morning.. and walking down Lambton Quay one lunch time. I remember that used to happen years ago...
I'd hope before the next home games there are Phoenix players/staff handing out brochures outside the station in the morning.. and walking down Lambton Quay one lunch time. I remember that used to happen years ago...
I'm not sure how many actual staff members the Nix have in town anymore. If they still have their office in Thorndon there might be 4? Last time I was there it was only Domey.
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
Thing about rugby is though that the international game pays for the regional/club game these days. As long as All Blacks tickets are the hottest property in town, and South Auckland's schools keep producing the next generation of stars, they can run NPC/Super Rugby as a loss leader
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
Thing about rugby is though that the international game pays for the regional/club game these days. As long as All Blacks tickets are the hottest property in town, and South Auckland's schools keep producing the next generation of stars, they can run NPC/Super Rugby as a loss leader
Trouble is the NZR isnt making the profits it used to, cost of keeping players in NZ etc is making running the game very tough.
But didn't Rugby do a $400 Million deal for the NZRFU?? They also own a lot of real estate properties (Just like the Salvation Army do) around the country. No just playing fields I heard.
I'd hope before the next home games there are Phoenix players/staff handing out brochures outside the station in the morning.. and walking down Lambton Quay one lunch time. I remember that used to happen years ago...
I'm not sure how many actual staff members the Nix have in town anymore. If they still have their office in Thorndon there might be 4? Last time I was there it was only Domey.
Unfortunately the phoenix don't play against any teams that draw casuals, the other a-league teams don't really carry any weight here. Whereas the hurricanes have the crusaders,blues,chiefs etc
Interesting reading interview with the hundred million dollar man Russell Coutts in 2day's Herald, the way he references football, "the top teams feeding off each other creating that visibility, that connection ..." I can almost see him watching a packed Sky Stadium for Nix v Auckland Inter and picking up his phone to Ryan Nelson, urging him to resuscitate the failed bid. But not to operate out of Auckland, out of Christchurch and its brand new stadium. "C'mon Ryan, I've got Larry Ellison on board, he's interested, he's a visionary..."
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
Thing about rugby is though that the international game pays for the regional/club game these days. As long as All Blacks tickets are the hottest property in town, and South Auckland's schools keep producing the next generation of stars, they can run NPC/Super Rugby as a loss leader
South Auckland schools are mainly producing players for League, not Union. Rich "high decile" schools hoovering up kids from South Auckland with pipe dream promises of professional careers that only happen for about 1% of them is a more accurate description...
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
Thing about rugby is though that the international game pays for the regional/club game these days. As long as All Blacks tickets are the hottest property in town, and South Auckland's schools keep producing the next generation of stars, they can run NPC/Super Rugby as a loss leader
South Auckland schools are mainly producing players for League, not Union. Rich "high decile" schools hoovering up kids from South Auckland with pipe dream promises of professional careers that only happen for about 1% of them is a more accurate description...
Even if you are that small number who crack the NRL, you are unlikely to make huge bucks. The "average career length for a professional league player is said to be around three to four seasons – or 43 games to be exact." Most are back playing semi amateur league in their late 20s, and then a life of blue collar work.
There have been at least 3-4 Polynesian Aussie NRL boys commit suicide last 5 or so years, after being demoted down to reserve grade or whatever. Often there is huge no so subtle pressure from their extend families to 'make it'. But yeah the NRL clubs continue to sell the dream.
I'd back a NZ Super Rugby setup to show more care for these youngsters any day of the week than a cut throat league club. Just listen to how NRL Aussie commentators butcher Island player's names. They don't care. Read about how Olsen Filipaina coped with blatant racism there (admittedly 30 years ago). Now French & Japanese rugby clubs fly into Fiji, Samoa & Tonga looking to sign the next big thing. Apparently the French clubs are particular bad about no care for any kid they later cut adrift.
95% of man United fans have never been to England, let alone Old Trafford. BUT, they support a club side, not a Greater Manchester side.
Rugby is really in the do do's. As said, more show up at club games locally than bother to show up at NPC or the Canes. Rugby needs to do better at promoting itself instead of relying on die hards.
Thing about rugby is though that the international game pays for the regional/club game these days. As long as All Blacks tickets are the hottest property in town, and South Auckland's schools keep producing the next generation of stars, they can run NPC/Super Rugby as a loss leader
South Auckland schools are mainly producing players for League, not Union. Rich "high decile" schools hoovering up kids from South Auckland with pipe dream promises of professional careers that only happen for about 1% of them is a more accurate description...
Even if you are that small number who crack the NRL, you are unlikely to make huge bucks. The "average career length for a professional league player is said to be around three to four seasons – or 43 games to be exact." Most are back playing semi amateur league in their late 20s, and then a life of blue collar work.
There have been at least 3-4 Polynesian Aussie NRL boys commit suicide last 5 or so years, after being demoted down to reserve grade or whatever. Often there is huge no so subtle pressure from their extend families to 'make it'. But yeah the NRL clubs continue to sell the dream.
I'd back a NZ Super Rugby setup to show more care for these youngsters any day of the week than a cut throat league club. Just listen to how NRL Aussie commentators butcher Island player's names. They don't care. Read about how Olsen Filipaina coped with blatant racism there (admittedly 30 years ago). Now French & Japanese rugby clubs fly into Fiji, Samoa & Tonga looking to sign the next big thing. Apparently the French clubs are particular bad about no care for any kid they later cut adrift.
The NRL clubs sell the dream, no question, and the rates of suicide, depression and substance abuse amongst young players who don't make the pro grade are horrendous. My point was that there aren't really elite schools offering young league talent "scholarships" for league in NZ, whereas there are a number of elite schools doing that for Union, and other than an old boys tie and maybe a couple of medals, they don't have much else to show for it (and no, the "quality of education" line does not wash at all if you knew what went on there...)
