Blues Consider Move to Mt Smart in Search of Better Attendance

The Blues rugby team is contemplating a shift from their traditional home at Eden Park to Mt Smart Stadium in an effort to address declining attendance figures for their Super Rugby matches. Amid concerns about dwindling fan engagement, the team is consulting with supporters to gauge whether the proposed move would influence their likelihood of attending games.

While the consultation seeks fan input, there is skepticism regarding whether relocating to Mt Smart will genuinely improve attendance. Critics argue that the logistical challenges remain largely unchanged. Public transport access to Mt Smart is comparable to that of Eden Park, and driving still necessitates finding parking, which can be a hassle. Fans will continue to face elements such as weather conditions while watching from the stands, and they will still incur costs for food and beverages at the venue.

One potential advantage of Mt Smart is its direct access off the motorway, which may simplify travel for some fans. Additionally, the presence of teams like the Auckland FC and the Warriors at Mt Smart could help establish a habitual fan base. However, many argue that these factors alone are insufficient to substantively increase attendance.

Attendance for Super Rugby matches has been lackluster nationwide, with only 6,000 fans attending games featuring Moana Pasifika and around 11,000 for the Blues, which is notably low given the 50,000 capacity of Eden Park. A smaller venue like Mt Smart, which accommodates 25,000 spectators, might mask the empty seats but does not address the underlying issue of fan engagement.

Addressing Fan Engagement Challenges

The challenge facing the Blues extends beyond venue choice. Observers believe that the root problem lies in the perceived lack of excitement surrounding Super Rugby itself. To reverse the trend of dwindling attendance, the organization must innovate and actively entice families and younger fans to attend games. Initiatives like Eden Park’s kids’ zone, which features attractions such as bouncy castles, represent the kind of thinking needed to enhance the game-day experience.

The sentiment is clear: the product of Super Rugby must evolve to capture the interest of the public. Without significant changes to make the sport more engaging, it may be inevitable that crowds will remain sparse, regardless of the stadium used. In light of this, while a move to Mt Smart may provide some logistical benefits, it might ultimately symbolize a retreat from the historical significance of Eden Park and an acceptance of a new norm in attendance figures.

The Blues face a critical crossroads. They can either adapt their approach to revive interest in Super Rugby or risk resigning themselves to an era of empty seats and lackluster crowds. It remains to be seen whether the team will take bold steps to reignite excitement around the sport, which is essential for drawing fans back to the stands, regardless of the venue.