Former Socceroo believes playing out of near empty stadiums HAS to change if A-League is to thrive
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‘The smaller the stadium, the better’: Former Socceroo thinks playing in big stadiums is holding back the A-League from attracting fans
- A-League star Josh Risdon admitted playing in empty stadiums is draining
- Some clubs, such as Western United and Macarthur FC, have a smaller fan base
- After two rounds, encouraging figures for Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory
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A-League star Josh Risdon believes less is more when it comes to reviving crowded numbers, with smaller capacities promoting a better atmosphere than largely empty stadiums.
The Socceroos right-back, who was a member of Russia’s 2018 World Cup squad, said ’boutique’ grounds could be the answer for some clubs.
“I’m a big believer in the smaller the stadium, the better,” said the Western United captain.
“It definitely feels louder when you pack a smaller stadium, rather than playing in a bigger stadium with fewer fans.
“That is certainly the goal behind our new stadium, to start small and get a good fan base.
“As the club grows, we can build a bigger stadium and get more fans and attract more people to the games.”
A-League star Josh Risdon believes thinking outside the square is key when it comes to repeatedly enticing crowds through the gates
While their new stadium in Melbourne’s west is being built, Western United hosted Sydney FC in front of a small crowd at AAMI Park last Sunday (pictured, Sky Blues playmaker Joe Lolley)
United’s new stadium, in Tarneit, west of Melbourne, is expected to open in 2026, with a capacity of 15,000 fans.
Starting next year, the men’s John Aloisi A-League will play home games at their training base, which will accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.
It also promises to create an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
On Friday night United Macarthur FC receives Dwight Yorke at AAMI Park – and only an ‘intimate’ crowd is predicted as the opposition is coming from the Interstate.
Conversely, when Melbourne City’s neighbors Melbourne Victory plays in a derby 24 hours later – at the same venue – a packed AAMI Park is at stake.
It comes after Victory attracted more than 18,000 fans at AAMI Park last weekend for their home game against Western Sydney Wanderers – and table top City are unbeaten heading into round three.
Figures for Brisbane Roar games at Suncorp Stadium in recent years have been cause for concern
Socceroos right-back Josh Risdon, who was a member of Russia’s 2018 World Cup squad, also stated that a boutique-style ground could be the answer for some A-League clubs
Melbourne City striker Jamie Maclaren hopes two teams playing attacking football in front of a packed house can spark interest in the competition.
“It will be great to have our support, but at the same time it would be great if Victory fans come,” he said.
“We (players) want the atmosphere. It makes for a better spectacle.
“It’s important that fans who turn on the TV when they’re neutral want to watch our football and that’s something we need to grow in this game and in this country.”
With Macarthur and Western United yearning for more fans week after week, Sydney FC had 21,840 supporters in their opening round of Big Blue vs. Victory at the revamped Allianz Stadium – which they lost 3-2.
Marko Rudan’s Wanderers also expect healthy numbers at the Commbank Stadium in Parramatta in the coming rounds, as they are unbeaten.
In addition, the Newcastle Jets, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix all had over 7,000 fans at their home games.