It's difficult to gauge our support.As said, the turn out v Batley in appalling conditions was quite good,with the game also in doubt up until 11am.Then 6 or 700 go missing just weeks later.Then you often get official attendances that look a bit more than stated.Or less than stated.My guess is we are at around 2900 hardcore with a few hundred coming and going depending on the opposition and current form.
I’ve often been puzzled by the official attendance figures too. However, I agree that the basic numbers for our reliable fan base is about 3,000, and, fingers crossed, I’d expect that attendance at out first home game - at Easter???
Im cautiously optimistic regarding both our support and support in general for live sport across the board.
i'm pretty shocked at how much i have missed watching the Vikings, I try to go most games home and away when possible and feel this time away has strengthened my desire to watch the Vikings. I know my 15 year old lad feels the same.
I think we may find a bit of a return bounce when live sport returns to the town, hopefully we can play some good rugby and get some more bums on seats as we go.
I’ve often been puzzled by the official attendance figures too. However, I agree that the basic numbers for our reliable fan base is about 3,000, and, fingers crossed, I’d expect that attendance at out first home game – at Easter???
I would expect an increased attendance for the first game back after a year or so off. Probably 4k plus. Whether that level is maintained will depend on performances on the pitch to a large extent.
Could an internet poll, based on the club's best guess at how the season will get underway, help with gauging ST sales for next year?
As others have said for the club to attract the younger fans, you need to put a winning team on the pitch. Next season might be a bit of a lottery, but the club need to be as prepared as humanly possible.
I know we've made a couple of good signings, but would be good if we make a few more + hit the new season running. I know Leigh are a completely different set up to us, but can't deny they have a pretty tasty squad. With a few decent teams in the championship, we're never going to sustain the big crowds if we're not at least competing for the top few places
Very true Widnes89, but I guess that the club is being cautious about their finances, what I'm suggesting might give them some reassurance that there is a market fof Season Tickets!
Probably crack the 4000 mark first game but will tail off leaving the usual 2900/3100.
Personally I don’t think we will hit 4K unless there’s a big away following from certain opponents or we are doing very well halfway through the season
Widnes89Posts: 24
South Stander
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As others have said for the club to attract the younger fans, you need to put a winning team on the pitch. Next season might be a bit of a lottery, but the club need to be as prepared as humanly possible.
I know we’ve made a couple of good signings, but would be good if we make a few more + hit the new season running. I know Leigh are a completely different set up to us, but can’t deny they have a pretty tasty squad. With a few decent teams in the championship, we’re never going to sustain the big crowds if we’re not at least competing for the top few places
I'm sure Phil Finney said on the radio that the squad is complete, if true I cannot see us being in the top 5. Our first 13 are not a bad team but a few injuries and were going to struggle, especially with our older pack.
I reckon 2500 average gate next year, max.
Bit of a buzz for the first game back I’d imagine, then all will depend on how we’re going on the field.
There should be a buzz for the early games with people desperate to get out and what better way than spend a Sunday afternoon watching your local rugby league team.
Whether the club can maintain that interest will depend very much on the style of play and whether we are seen as competing at the top end of the table. If we are playing well and winning more games than we lose, I can see us averaging around 3000 over the season.
Whether they can sell over 2000 season tickets may be debatable, with the increase in unemployment and people still concerned about the covid 19 virus. Maybe the club need to consider the season ticket concessions and possibly offering season tickets for blocks of games. The club's marketing team (?) should be considering initiatives to promote games locally and to promote the club in the town and surrounding areas in the lead up to the start of the season.
As someone mentioned, with the Widnes links, a game against Newcastle would be a good way to kick off the season.
If you look back to when we had non-contending Championship sides, say 2010 when we finished a distant 5th, we averaged 2850.
I would personally expect similar but no worse.
Well like it or not, most of our support will be a year older, and will probably look it!
Some, sadly, won't be present but, as at the start of any season, will be watching from a 'better place'. RIP