alot of people won't come because of the facilities/atmosphere. I wouldn't take my family (wife and 2 girls) and I have another mate who is the same. It's a shame but no chance because of writings below. Probably loads like me.
Larissa, if you are reading this, don't take offence, it ain't your fault. The language of many at the ground and facilities would keep many families away (low crowds). Some on our hill (Manly fans) swear black and blue most of the game, really loud and use references that they wouldn't use (being a hero) because of the safety of standing in the bunch. Probably their green light to get out all their frustrations every week.
I imagine, like me, that there are loads of guys there without their families so that probably loses an extra 1500-2000 people inside the ground (assuming mum and 2 kids average)
The other thing is that is on tele and at the pub. Last night, for me, I have to sit in the freezing cold, travel 2 hours each way, arrive home at 11.30pm and it has cost $25-55 (if I don't want to stand on hill all night) for the hill/stand, $30 for petrol and $25 on food etc so up to 100 bucks just for me. I love it though and have done it for 25 years but can understand that many can't afford that type of cost. Whilst this doesn't affect me, families are struggling with rising costs. I read recently that US Football (Gridion) clubs have all lowered their seating prices as America is in financial chaos and people aren't attending.
1 more thing, many supporters travel a fair way and so some just can't make it. The guys I go with are from Penrith, Campbelltown etc. Loads on here are from country, interstate and even overseas. Wollongong was the same, locals didn't really fully support Steelers and eventually went down the tube.
I imagine the Sea Eagles rely on us, out of towners to add to fill the joint (in reference to 60,000 at Homebush in 2008) Thing is, that day was the glory day and for many who flew in etc that's the only game they can make. Look at Cam, Spook etc spend loads of money and time to come and watch from QLD. Spook stayed for 3 weeks, how many guys can do that/able to?? Then you have locals who can't be bothered 10 minutes away but whinge when we give games away to make money due to inadequate corporate and numbers.