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Andrew Moore | rugbyleaguelive.com | 17/07/08 | 0
VIDEO - Right idea, wrong execution Bulldogs
AUDIO - Don't knock us for being innovative: Greenburg
So what do you think of the Bulldogs' decision to allow free entry into Saturday night’s game against the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium?
I applaud the sentiment, and the fact they’re thinking outside the square should also receive acclaim... not criticism.
But I question why they’ve made life so hard for themselves.
Ïf you haven’t caught up with it, Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenburg has announced anyone with a New Zealand, Fijian, Samoan or Tongan passport will gain free entry to the stadium for this game.
It’s obviously started the debate about racism and the like - including the headline in today’s Daily Telegraph - which reads 'Pay to be an Aussie'.
As I say, why have the Bulldogs made life so hard for themselves?
Why don’t they just declare ANYONE under the age of 16 years of age will get in for free - and leave your passports at home.
Now THAT would have won state wide acclaim and support - in fact I urge the Bulldogs to do that for the remaining home games.
If this club wants to be the one to lead the way in this area, then I urge Todd Greenburg to really grab this opportunity and fully embrace it - not just signalling out various ethnic communities.
I used to be of the view that you would be underselling the value of rugby league handing out free tickets to people, but now that it’s proven people don’t like going to ANZ Stadium - every club who plays there should simply open the gates to under 16’s for the rest of the year.
What can anyone possibly lose out of it?
I would be fascinated to see what sort of crowds would start going out to Homebush.
It could just be that all of a sudden to a game which would normally attract six or seven thousand people - there may be 35 thousand people, and can you imagine the atmosphere?
It would be outstanding, with a big, happy, crowd - and hopefully, those Mums and Dads who actually paid to go to That game - would be eager to take them again next week.
If the NRL doesn’t urgently insist the clubs don’t radically drop their prices for games, then we will continue to watch games in Sydney with half full, quarter full, or tenth full stadiums... and how is that good for anyone?
So on one hand - well done to the Bulldogs for being adventurous.
On the other - go the whole way, Todd Greenburg, and lead the charge - make it free for all kids 16 years and under for Saturday night, and for the rest of the season?
As I say... why not?
Why don’t they just declare anyone under the age of 16 years of age will get in for free - and leave your passports at home.
Andrew Moore
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