Ulster v Connacht, Sat May 4th 2019 17:35

[Dave]

All returned tickets have been on general sale for a week now.

[rumncoke]

Filthy is a word which should be used with caution in Rugby circles .

It is usually reserved for the dirtiest of players who go beyond the normal annoying minor cheats - like holding or late tackles — something akin to the late deliberate straight arm or a nip of the thigh digging in the grimy nails .

The fall in attendance could reflect a number of things . A reaction to the mismanagement and betrayal of two players and one of the basic fundamentals of rugby «  loyalty « to members when innocent of any crime .

When many already were already unhappy with the disloyalty shown to Ruan by Ulster and the IRFU .
How players , who the public admire , are treated can have a serious effect on the way fans see their role and worth to a Club.

Secondly at the end of last season a substantial number of senior players retired who had i assume a certain drawing power — the Tommy Bowe Fan base for one .

If the current group of young players can inspire the public then the attendance should improve .



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[shamalicious]

Filthy is a word which should be used with caution in Rugby circles .

It is usually reserved for the dirtiest of players who go beyond the normal annoying minor cheats - like holding or late tackles — something akin to the late deliberate straight arm or a nip of the thigh digging in the grimy nails .

The fall in attendance could reflect a number of things . A reaction to the mismanagement and betrayal of two players and one of the basic fundamentals of rugby «  loyalty « to members when innocent of any crime .

When many already were already unhappy with the disloyalty shown to Ruan by Ulster and the IRFU .
How players , who the public admire , are treated can have a serious effect on the way fans see their role and worth to a Club.

Secondly at the end of last season a substantial number of senior players retired who had i assume a certain drawing power — the Tommy Bowe Fan base for one .

If the current group of young players can inspire the public then the attendance should improve .



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Nonsense. If this were the case, 15k+ Ulster fans wouldn't have travelled to the Aviva a month ago.

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[big mervyn]

No disrespect to Tommy, but I'd be surprised if too many were forking out just to see him grace the Ravers turf post Ospreys

[Deraless]

Could lack of BBC coverage be a factor? I know if it's on tele it might keep a few people in on rubbish nights, but it's also essentially free advertising.

Have there been more Saturday matches this year as they don't seem to get as big an attendance?

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[Dave]

Could lack of BBC coverage be a factor? I know if it's on tele it might keep a few people in on rubbish nights, but it's also essentially free advertising.

Have there been more Saturday matches this year as they don't seem to get as big an attendance?

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It was falling before the BBC lost the rights. I think we will be years recovering from the Kiss era.

[Amiga500]

Average attendances appear to be declining.

2016/17: 15,961
2017/18: 14,663
2018/19: 13,697

We probably need to look further back to put it into context.

10 years ago, what was the average gate?

Then somewhere along the way it became the place to be seen - so there were a lot of bandwagon jumpers filling up seats and terracing. Over the past few years, that has receded - probably starting around the time dHumph departed. So the peak was not a reflection of true support.

Our gates are substantially up on where they were 10 years ago; and are probably approaching what will be a long term baseline (catastrophes excluded). From that we can maybe increment up a few percent every year.

I don't think the blame can be levelled at any one person, even our ex-CEO. Why does a new restaurant in Belfast do great trade for 6 months then be shuttered 3 months later?

[rumncoke]

Tommy attracted the birds I doubt if they gave a toss about him going to Wales.

The media coverage is down thanks to Logan and reduced exposure of the game might effect crowds .

But what is being measured is average attendance and that would reflect lower attendance at the start of the season, missing internationals whereas the 15000 + in Dublin reflects the effect of two things A Derby match and ERC both ensure a better than average interest .

IMO as the current squad develop attendance may improve but Ulster folk have long memories and unforgiving nature when authority is abused .

While the likes of Dave huff and puff many say little but just turn their back and walk away .






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[Dave]

Average attendances appear to be declining.

2016/17: 15,961
2017/18: 14,663
2018/19: 13,697

We probably need to look further back to put it into context.

10 years ago, what was the average gate?

Then somewhere along the way it became the place to be seen - so there were a lot of bandwagon jumpers filling up seats and terracing. Over the past few years, that has receded - probably starting around the time dHumph departed. So the peak was not a reflection of true support.

Our gates are substantially up on where they were 10 years ago; and are probably approaching what will be a long term baseline (catastrophes excluded). From that we can maybe increment up a few percent every year.

I don't think the blame can be levelled at any one person, even our ex-CEO. Why does a new restaurant in Belfast do great trade for 6 months then be shuttered 3 months later?

Everyone will have their own theory on this but unless UR do some proper market research we will never know for sure.

[Tightheadsdoitbest]

Also, summer sports have started.

I and some others I know were able to attend last Saturday only at the last minute (and many of us are season ticket holders) as the weather didn't allow play in our summer activities... this week however the forecast is much better!

Perhaps a Friday night game would have "allowed" a bigger attendance?

[Neill_M]

Not just Ulster struggling to get a crowd for this weekend. Our Limerick cousins are letting 2 kids in free for every adult ticket sold to boost the crowd for the game v Benetton.

[Dave]

WTT are summer sports?

[jean valjean]

Leather on willow.

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[jackthelad]

WTT are summer sports?

Cricket
Tennis
GAA
Hill walking
Muff Diving Al Fresco....

[big mervyn]

WTT are summer sports?

Beach volleyball season has kicked off in Nirth Down,