Post by BDD on Jan 18, 2024 11:44:06 GMT
I was easing this article about Hull KR's growth over the past two years and particularly the last 6 months. They are exploring the possible of bringng forward stadium expansion, have increase retail tnnseven figures, sold over 7k memberships, and looking to get a warehouse to keep up with retail demand.
www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-kr-embrace-growing-pains-9041560
It got me thinking, do you think this growth is more to do with them being in a rugby area or because they followed up thier season by signing Gildart, Hiku, May, Whitbread, Tanginoa, and now Burgess?
Last year, they got to a final and lost, made he playoffs, but lost at the first hurdle. Yet, they sold out four times last year and have had a huge level of growth. We've made a CC final and reached the Grand Final, but never came close to a sell out in those seasons, and got nowhere close to that level of growth, which makes me think it's more about being in a rugby league area. Then, of course, they've doubled down, dipped into their pockets and brought in some very good players, which I'm sure has had an impact, it's bound to, but I think it's more a feel good factor and selling a vision and a RL area. I don't think we'd get 10k if we won the league.
For me, it highlights how difficult it is for Salford to grow in an area not known for RL, and how difficult a job the coats have on their hands. We actually had a short period of big signings and lots of media when Marwan first took over and it didn't result in this type of growth. Would big signings have paid for themselves after we made the Grand Final? Would we have sold 5k+ seasons tickets. I highly doubt it.
I know the club have long-term plans to engage children from a very young age, which they already have in motion, and looking at everything I think this is the only way for growth - developing RL fans from the ages of 5/6 onwards and retaining them into adulthood. And increasing participation in the high schools - one reason I'm a huge advocate of tag rugby, due to its easier level of entry for anyone.
I don't think there is much chance of regular 8k+ crowds from the current populace, there isn't the appetite... Unless something crazy happened like one of us won the Euro Millions, brought in some top tier marquee players, developed the youth systen and training facilities, and theb went on to win the double.
www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-kr-embrace-growing-pains-9041560
It got me thinking, do you think this growth is more to do with them being in a rugby area or because they followed up thier season by signing Gildart, Hiku, May, Whitbread, Tanginoa, and now Burgess?
Last year, they got to a final and lost, made he playoffs, but lost at the first hurdle. Yet, they sold out four times last year and have had a huge level of growth. We've made a CC final and reached the Grand Final, but never came close to a sell out in those seasons, and got nowhere close to that level of growth, which makes me think it's more about being in a rugby league area. Then, of course, they've doubled down, dipped into their pockets and brought in some very good players, which I'm sure has had an impact, it's bound to, but I think it's more a feel good factor and selling a vision and a RL area. I don't think we'd get 10k if we won the league.
For me, it highlights how difficult it is for Salford to grow in an area not known for RL, and how difficult a job the coats have on their hands. We actually had a short period of big signings and lots of media when Marwan first took over and it didn't result in this type of growth. Would big signings have paid for themselves after we made the Grand Final? Would we have sold 5k+ seasons tickets. I highly doubt it.
I know the club have long-term plans to engage children from a very young age, which they already have in motion, and looking at everything I think this is the only way for growth - developing RL fans from the ages of 5/6 onwards and retaining them into adulthood. And increasing participation in the high schools - one reason I'm a huge advocate of tag rugby, due to its easier level of entry for anyone.
I don't think there is much chance of regular 8k+ crowds from the current populace, there isn't the appetite... Unless something crazy happened like one of us won the Euro Millions, brought in some top tier marquee players, developed the youth systen and training facilities, and theb went on to win the double.