Based on these comments from the Perf game forum, what Welnix really needs to do is some serious marketing research on how widespread attitudes like these mentioned below are (in Wellington as well - this isn't an Auckland thing given RoF crowds), and what they can do to counteract them. Because this is coming close to "failed brand" territory, i.e. people will get the idea that THE PHOENIX SUCKS AND NO-ONE GOES and it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Ok as a passionate Auckland-based Phoenix fan I've asked the question 'So are you going to the Phoenix game this weekend?' To a few people. Here are some responses:
Best mate - 'I have football in the late afternoon, will only make it to the game if I find the time to get there and if my dad has free tickets.'
Lecturer in Sustainable Sports Event Management Class - 'Since working closely with Auckland City/Eastern Suburbs I've jumped off the Phoenix wagon and probably think it's best for the domestic league in NZ if the first-team for the Phoenix played in the Premiership instead of the A-League, so I won't be going to the game unless free'
Random person sitting next to me in class - 'I would rather watch paint dry, I also have a game in the late afternoon' (Wearing Manchester United shirt)
Someone working with NZF - 'I can't go as I was only given one free ticket, don't want to go without my wife.'
Seems like everyone in Auckland have an excuse for Saturday...
I think the theme there is free tickets. This is a problem I've highlighted previously where giving away a lot of free tickets (to sponsors etc) just makes free tickets so readily available that the public develop a culture or habit of only going when they happen to come across a freebie. It devalues the experience.
I think that they'll be a bit more careful about where free tickets go. Potentially giving them to lower socioeconomic groups, or to schools - rather than people in the city they might send more of those freebies out to the Hutt valley.
I think eventually that'll lead to the Phoenix match experience being valued more highly, plus others who may not usually have thought of going into Wellington city to see the Phoenix being fans, and considering coming again when they can.