AFL Crowd Numbers: Dillon Defends Low Saints vs Bulldogs Attendance
The AFL’s strategy of scheduling more Thursday night games sparks debate, as the focus shifts from attracting large crowds to maximizing TV viewership. St Kilda coach lyon questions the appeal of these prime-time slots, especially after a recent game. With the AFL’s emphasis on broadcast deals, the role of these Thursday night fixtures is under scrutiny, influencing the AFL schedule. This shift has prompted discussion regarding balancing the needs of television audiences with the desires of fans attending matches in person. News Directory 3 offers insights into the evolving dynamics of the AFL. Will the trend continue? Discover what’s next as the season unfolds and these discussions evolve.
AFL Thursday Night Games: Crowd Impact and TV Role Debated
The AFL has boosted its Thursday night game schedule, capitalizing on what it sees as a prime television slot. This year, 23 Thursday night games are scheduled, up from 16. The only rounds without a thursday night match are two.
Though,the average Thursday night attendance dipped slightly to 44,091 after last week’s game. some suggest the increase in Thursday night crowds is due to featuring popular teams. Such as, the Carlton versus Richmond game drew 80,009 fans, and the Carlton versus Collingwood match attracted 82,058.the Anzac Day eve game between Melbourne and Richmond also pulled in 71,635 attendees.
Carlton is slated for six Thursday night games, including matches against Port Adelaide, brisbane, and Hawthorn. All but one of these games are in melbourne. Essendon will play five Thursday games, including an upcoming match against Fremantle in Perth and Greater Western Sydney. They also have a Friday night game against St Kilda.
St Kilda coach,Lyon,questioned whether Thursday nights are as appealing to crowds after a recent loss to the Bulldogs.
”And you’re diving into it.What do Thursday night crowds really look like for most teams in the competition?” Lyon said to a reporter.
Lyon further pressed, “Have Thursday nights been very tough for all other clubs as well? It’s a binary, a yes or no.”
The Saints coach also cited a St Kilda official who noted that Thursday nights are arduous because children must attend school the next day.
The AFL’s increase in Thursday night games, broadcast live on free-to-air TV via Channel Seven, was part of a trade-off that gave Foxtel exclusive rights to Saturday games in most markets, including Victoria. The AFL is trying to balance the role of broadcast deals with the AFL fixture and the AFL schedule.
what’s next
The AFL season continues with teams vying for coveted spots in the finals. The debate around Thursday night games and their impact on crowds and television viewership is expected to continue.