Toyota Signs Must Go!

[Troy G]

The use of the Toyota signs displayed on the field just beyond the centre square in the new three dimentional way, has taken advertising on the ground to a whole new annoying level.

These intrusive bloody things have got to stop and we must start a campaign and voice our anger towards Toyota and the AFL.

The whole centre square will be an ad soon, along with the goal square if nothing is said or perhaps on the roof of the Telstra Dome when a booming kick goes through the goals. It's time to draw the line in the sand.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Re: Toyota Signs Must Go!

Originally posted by Troy G
The use of the Toyota signs displayed on the field just beyond the centre square in the new three dimentional way, has taken advertising on the ground to a whole new annoying level.

These intrusive bloody things have got to stop and we must start a campaign and voice our anger towards Toyota and the AFL.

The whole centre square will be an ad soon, along with the goal square if nothing is said or perhaps on the roof of the Telstra Dome when a booming kick goes through the goals. It's time to draw the line in the sand.

Agree, as a soccer fan I shudder at all the markings of RL RU and AFL grounds these days. One NRL test back in the mid 90s had a Lion Nathan advert nearly 20 metres long. It looked hideous.

Luckily FIFA for all its faults refuses to let advertising on the playing area. I wih Demitriou had the same vision.

JF

PS:- Having said that, red goal squares at the SCG are heaps cool.

[Bear]

Re: Toyota Signs Must Go!

Originally posted by Troy G
we must start a campaign and voice our anger towards Toyota and the AFL.

then we risk losing important corporate sponsorship for our game

[Troy G]

No we don't they can buy the fence

[Charlie]

Sponsorship is an unfortunate necessity. Without it, the sport is unsustainable. We don't have a global market of billions like soccer does. It's here to stay, whether you like it or not.

The best thing you can do is not buy their cars - if the sponsorship doesn't work, they'll get out.

[Troy G]

The AFL got how many millions from the last tv rights deal, the biggest deal in the history of Australian sport? The AFL is currently sustainable.

The game can get by and still be very financial without angering the people that love the game. Why can't they just paint the grass the old way? Why does it suddenly have to be so in our face in 2004, when it wasn't in 2003?

Take a good long look at the Toyota signs on the ground at every game you watch on tv this weekend and then come back and tell me it's okay.

[Charlie]

I didn't notice anything different about the Toyota signs, but I'll take your word for it.

Fact is, Toyota is AFL's main sponsor, and the AFL stands to make a massive amount of money (tens of millions) over the next few years. They're not the sort of benefactor you cross lightly, Troy.

[Damien]

It has to happen in Australian sport - our main sports do not reach mass international audiences, so a major sponsor needs pride of place on the playing arena to ensure value of money.

I am too busy watching the footy to care what is on the ground anyway.

[dendol]

wat Toyota signs? I didnt notice any at the Gabba game, or any other game over the weekend. I'll make a mental note to look out for it, but to be honest, I really couldnt care less - keep your eyes on the ball!

[Triple B]

I'm with you Dendol.

I didn't even notice them and have no idea what you are on about Troy.

But I'll tell you this, if I can't enjoy the game this week because you have alerted me to annoying signs I didn't know existed, I'll be coming after you.!!!

[SETH]

If you're too busy noticing the advertising signage on the field instead of watching the footy, then there's something wrong with you. I admit I did notice them at the game, but that was only when the play was around that area. Toyota would've plunged millions into this deal so they are entitled to get some return for their outlay.

[Troy G]

The AFL obviously feels with each new sponsor they have to offer them more and more, but sooner or later we have to say enough!

Judging by responses, I'm going off early it seems!

Most here seem to think so far we aren't selling our soul...I'll be interested to see how long it's takes before you think we are!

[Bart]

I think these signs are far more noticeable while watching on TV than being at the game. I was there on Sat night and I didn't even see them. They are really designed for TV.

However, I am a realist and understand a sponsor wanting to get value for their deal. $10m is a hell of a lot of money.

And if it results in bigger distributions to the clubs so be it. Doesn't bother me

[Troy G]

Perhaps, I should have been more explicit but I was never talking about being at the game live. I'm only talking about television.

[Triple B]

from Bart:

I was there on Sat night and I didn't even see them.

Of course you didn't see them, the lights were off.

Surely you saw them on Sunday afternoon at the game??