Hornets attendance numbers show big increase

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A sell-out crowd of 8,872 at Spotland, Fiji v Ireland in their opening Rugby League World Cup Group A fixture

Rochdale Hornets recorded a crowd increase of 33% in the 2014 Season. 

Second only to the runaway League Champions Leigh in terms of increased gate, despite being relegated, Hornets have a lot to thank their loyal support for.

The Championship saw an even split in terms of increases and decreases, with seven teams recording rises and seven teams recording decreased attendance numbers.

“Attendances are not always a measure of success, but it is great to see them going in the right direction,” commented Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley.

The sell-out Rugby League World Cup fixture in October,

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/83373/rugby-league-world-cup-fiji-32-14-ireland

...in which a record crowd watched Fiji beat Ireland, coupled with Hornets promotion to the second tier seems to have reignited the town’s interest in rugby league.

“I am a firm believer that if you do a lot of little things right the club will grow organically,” added Bradley

“There are no free tickets giving a false reflection - the increase has come off the back of a fantastic world cup fixture coupled with an exciting fixture list and increased hospitality sales.”

“The trend is set to continue next season as the RFL has re-branded and re-launched the professional rugby leagues from 2015, re-instating promotion and relegation to ensure that every minute of every game matters.

“The bold new era for rugby league has been fully embraced by the Hornets, who are looking at further ways to attract new supporters to the club in 2015.

“The players requested that we look at Saturday fixtures and when it was discussed at board level, the idea had plenty of commercial benefits as well.

“Junior clubs play on Sundays and although we kick off in the afternoon, asking parents to do a full day at rugby is a big ask.

“Saturday nights will also appeal to the young family market, similar to the way bowling, cinema and circus visits do.

“All of our members want the club to survive and prosper going forward and to do that we need to generate a new era of supporters. We could not try anything new and hope people come, or market the club a little differently and embrace the new era.”

The a members vote on playing day/time is due on the 18 November.

The current fixture list includes a majority of traditional Sunday home fixtures coupled with four Saturday fixtures and the Good Friday opener.

Rochdale Hornets season ticket cost £130 on the early bird offer.

There has been a reduction in junior ticket costs, with a season ticket for all 11 home fixtures costing £10.

To buy your season tickets visit hornetsrugbyleague.com