Stop making excuses and team up with Gold Coast Titans
TRAVIS MEYN COMMENT GOLD COAST BULLETIN
DEAR Gold Coast, why will you not support the Titans?
Nearly three years ago, the Bulletin ran a very similar column as the Gold Coast’s NRL team reached a critical point in its history. Crowds were falling and its future under threat as the team’s results deteriorated.
Many believed the end was near. Somehow, the Titans are still running around and having a real crack at NRL success.
The problem is, few on the Coast seem to care. A crowd of just 15,432 turned out at Cbus Super Stadium on Good Friday for the annual local derby against the Broncos and many were Brisbane fans. The smallest crowd the fixture has ever attracted was 20,067 in 2012.
The weather was poor and the public holiday probably had an adverse affect. But to have a near half-empty stadium for what has become the biggest game of the season was concerning.
So tell me, why won’t you watch the Titans play?
The biggest factor for me is access to the Robina venue.
Unless you live near a train station it can be difficult to get to and Gold Coasters don’t enjoy catching public transport. But building a carpark is not the answer to the problems. It would be a nightmare to get in and out and someone needs to fund a multimillion-dollar development for little return.
The restrictions on taking food and drinks into the stadium is also ridiculous but that won’t change. Adding to access issues is the club’s poor results.
When the Titans were the new kids on the block back in 2007, crowds were tremendous. Averages of 21,489 in 2007 at Carrara and 21,618 in the first year at Robina in 2008 were something to be proud of.
They have dropped consistently since then with 19,178 in 2009, 17,877 in 2010, 15,428 in 2011, 14,405 in 2012, 14,028 in 2013 and 13,194 last year.
What has also plummeted with the crowds is the club’s on-field success. They are yet to win at home in three games this season and have won just once at Cbus since the Broncos April 11 match last year.
Making the effort to get to the stadium to watch your team lose isn’t attractive. But is that the only reason the club’s support has dwindled? Tickets couldn’t be any more affordable, especially with children free with an adult.
The NRL has guaranteed the long-term survival of the club and its board is working overtime to make the Titans brand successful.
The future looks bright and there is no reason this club couldn’t win a premiership in the next five years. There’s just one problem – will you be there to see it?
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/