ANZ Stadium To Host Early Season
Posted: 22-11-2002 09:02:28
The Brisbane Broncos confirmed they would play all home games before Lang Park's completion next season at ANZ Stadium in a letter sent to season members on Thursday.
Speculation has been rife for a number of months of what the Broncos planned to do in the first half of the season while awaiting the completion of the 52636-seat Suncorp-Metway Stadium. There was some suggestion the Broncos would play the majority of their games at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, with one final farewell match at ANZ Stadium.
However, the letter, drafted by Broncos chairman, Don Nissen, clearly states that ANZ Stadium will host all non-Lang Park matches. That could prove to be as many as five games, although it's more likely that Brisbane's games against the Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys and Storm will be played at the venue.
Mr Nissen stated in the letter that all members would be issued with two separate season tickets, one for the ANZ Stadium games, and the other for the Lang Park fixtures.
Prices are still being decided on in consultation with the State Government, and further information will be sent in two weeks. This will include a questionnaire in which existing members can express their preferences. These include the location in the venue and the types of people to sit with.
There is no doubt the Broncos will receive an increase of season ticket memberships next season with the return to Lang Park. With top class matches at home against Parramatta, Newcastle, the Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters, St George-Illawarra and Manly, the Broncos have all the major rivalries and big name players coming to the ground, which will be a huge boost.
The Broncos' best home crowds came in season 1993 in their first visit to ANZ Stadium, averaging over 40000 per game. While that level is unlikely in the current climate and the continued ANZ Stadium influence, anything less than an average of 25000, a growth of almost 25% on 2002, will be disappointing.
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