Reading the copy of Augusts' "We Are Widnes" I noticed the attendances so with nothing to do I thought I would tot them up and see how we had done.
Highest against Keighley; 3,498 (first game of the season)
Lowest against London; 2,547
For the ten matches IN THE magazine we have a total attendance of 28,885
Average attendance for THE TEN games; 2,885
For our other THREE home games, I know the Batley game was just over 3,000 and the Sheffield just under 3,000 and If we imagine the York game at 3,000
With an extra 9,000 it gives us a total of 37,851 and an average for THE THIRTEEN games of 2,911
One thing I did notice was that within eight games (Newcastle, forth home game) we had won four and lost three (two by last min scores) we had in fact LOST over 700 spectators from our first game 3,498-2,763
I didn't include West Warriors 841 in attendance.
Slightly less than the 3,000 needed for the extra marks for IMG scores, soooooooo in my opinion there will be extra incentives to bring extra friends to the games next year to increase this average.
Interesting item Martin!
Just sitting in the North stand I get the feeling that our fans generally seem in pretty good spirits. We all like to win, that's the nature of sport, but despite disappointments the fans stuck by the team. There was an increase in kids supporting and that should be welcomed and encouraged, maybe a schools competition (9 or 7 a side for a trophy, to be played before the Vikings games.
We would have to be careful not to hinder the 'Longroom' attraction though.
Perhaps making the WVIPs draw on the field at half-time would encourage participation in the VIP sponsorship? People do respond to raffles and a standing ticket should attract a few at least.
I realise that the Board are trying to avoid superfluous staff but a lively contact with the fans is not wasted if it keeps the fans on side.
We don't have the good fortune to attract a major sponsor so we have to look to getting low cost support from a lot of people, however it is done!!
Applaud all you say SG and I think the Longroom has been a great success. My two grandkids love it not so much the music but love mixing with the other kids with ball games but the wheelchair rugby a few weeks ago was a great yes from us all. I know we all moan but as you say the North stand around us everyone seems in good spirits. Seasons almost gone but has it been all bad, I’ve enjoyed some games even ones we have lost. WVIPS must be a winner for all our sakes👍👍
There was a similar trend last year.First two home games around 3600/3300 then plummeting off the scale to around 2700.It isn't difficult to spot the pattern,the floating fans aren't interested in a losing team.
I would also say those numbers include ST holders wether they attend or not. I'd say for a few games we've struggled to break 2000.
There was a similar trend last year.First two home games around 3600/3300 then plummeting off the scale to around 2700.It isn't difficult to spot the pattern,the floating fans aren't interested in a losing team.
I don't know if it's a losing team people won't watch, more a boring team. We've been boring for a while.
2900 isn't bad at all considering we have been mid table for most of the season...also Bradford and Halifax games on Mondays where there may have been a few more home and away fans.
Also, we don't have a proper derby/grudge match and overpriced matchday tickets.
It's the same old story, people won't watch a team that's not winning. If the board put extra money to bring in a couple of better quality players they would come and watch, but if those players get injured long term people will drop off again and the club will be in the sh#te again financially.
We need to offer more incentives with kids tickets as long as it's with a paying adult. We need to make the kids want to go every week, make it an experience for them.
Record attendance for Sheffield in the playoff with the Bulls - 1900 !!!!
Sure winning is great, but I don't think it's the be all and end all. You will naturally get more when winning a few games.
But with better engagement, there's no reason crowds couldn't be maintained or even increased during the season. Would expect to see a drop off for 2024 due to that.
@jdgsport You are right James. If this forum is any reflection of the the views of fans generally, the lack of communication from the Club is a major issue and will ultimately lead to fans walking away.
I don't buy it.Fans aren't too bothered about a lack of communication from the club if the team is winning regularly.It's only an issue when we finish in the lower half of the table.
I think crowds have held up reasonably well considering we have never been anywhere near the top of table since we have gone down. But there is a feeling of disillusionment at the moment and if recruitment seems weak and we start the season badly this may change. Hopefully not the case but there is cause for concern.