"ANZ Stadium has no atmosphere"

[hammo]

Yep.

ANZ Stadium is Sydney's very own chasm. Trust me I know, I attend bulldogs games there.

The freo p/f was dreadful atmosphere wise as was the 2003 prelim final v brisbane (up until midway through the 3rd when we gained momentum). The only game I can recall that had a top atmosphere was rd 21 2003 vs collingwood. That was in part due to the ferals fans who came in their droves.

You compare that to the many SCG blockbusters over the years. Here's only a few of plenty:

- pluggers 1300th
- plugger's potential 1300th vs WCE the week b4
- vs Geelong in 1997 (46k on a sat night)
- vs Geelong semi final 2005
- vs kangas in 1999 (down by 4 goals at 3qtr time...enter paul kelly, crowd was only 29k)
- vs St Kilda s/f 1998

plus heaps more

I think this well-worn debate is a bit of a myth. The Geelong semi final had little atmosphere until the last quarter.

[hot potato]

I enjoy going to Homebush, when things are not quite going to plan you can dream again of Cathy Freeman running around the perimeter on that special night.

HP

[liz]

Was nothing wrong with the atmosphere during the Roos final at Homebush last year.

[Jewels]

Yep.

ANZ Stadium is Sydney's very own chasm. Trust me I know, I attend bulldogs games there.

The freo p/f was dreadful atmosphere wise as was the 2003 prelim final v brisbane (up until midway through the 3rd when we gained momentum). The only game I can recall that had a top atmosphere was rd 21 2003 vs collingwood. That was in part due to the ferals fans who came in their droves.

You compare that to the many SCG blockbusters over the years. Here's only a few of plenty:

- pluggers 1300th
- plugger's potential 1300th vs WCE the week b4
- vs Geelong in 1997 (46k on a sat night)
- vs Geelong semi final 2005
- vs kangas in 1999 (down by 4 goals at 3qtr time...enter paul kelly, crowd was only 29k)
- vs St Kilda s/f 1998

plus heaps more

Sorry, but this is really silly. There have been heaps and heaps of games at the SCG with little to no atmosphere just as there has been at every ground in the country.
It is the quality of competition that creates atmosphere not venue.

[GoSouth33]

I see nothing wrong with playing a few marquee games at Homebush each year. I think it's quite clear that we get people going to those game who wouldn't go to the SCG. Let's face it, getting bums on seats, and bragging rights is important in the cross code comparisons. I know of a couple of people that go to the Homebush games courtesy of corporate seats and/or Stadium membership. Whilst they're "tenuous" supporters it does give us a chance to cast the net a little wider.
I really enjoyed Sat night's game. Overall our home crowds have been disappointing this year but this would have been one of our best (if not the best).

[Cheer Squad]

Love the ground. Accessible, modern, functional. Great atmosphere when things rev up.

I was in the SCG members for the Saints game and apart from a nice dining room, it's old and out of date, with poor visibility from most seats. Same for the Ladies stand. The SCG has poles all over the place obsuring the view.

Don't get me started on the collared shirt thing...

I'm constantly amused by the reverence some people seem to have for such a disjointed looking undersized ground run by a close minded pack of twits (Ths SCG trust).

I have to agree with you. I've watched the club play just about everywhere, and it's pretty obvious the SCG has fallen way behind every other major sporting venue in the country. It certainly has the worst obstructed viewing area problem of any venue in the country, and your observations about the Trust's attitude is spot on.

[top40]

Unfortunately chance has it that Homebush has yet to see a real classic game to remember for years. That said, I thought there were occasions where the atmosphere at Stadium Australia was electric. Witness:

Collingwood game 2003, where in drizzling rain over 70,000 packed the game.

Brisbane Preliminary Final 2003. Particularly when Luke Ablett kicked the goal close to 3/4 time to put the Swans just 3 points behind Brisbane and with momentum. Again over 70,000

Essendon Round 7 2005. A largely forgotten game but how significant! Sydney was 2-4 and down by 16 points at 3/4 quarter time, and went on to win. If they had lost? Well maybe there would have been no flag.

Collingwood 2005. A one point thriller, another big crowd, and where there was controversy over the 'lost' last 10 seconds of the game.

Brisbane 2005. First day game at the stadium. Remembered for Tadhg Kennelly's goal.

West Coast 2007 Round 1. Yet another one point thriller against our greatest rivals in front of 62,500.

St Kilda 2007. In front of over 63,000, an important and exciting win. Also the night the stadium was paraded in pink for breast cancer research.

[Wardy]

There are so many factors to consider with regard to "atmosphere". But first and foremost, atmosphere is created by the reaction to whats actually happening on the ground in front of you. If its a high scoring game with twists and turns, exhilerating passages of play, and has you on the edge of your seat - then you & the rest of the crowd respond too it accordingly with passion and noise. If its a crap, low scoring game with continual stoppages etc, then the atmosphere is different again, it is almost a lethargic mood swing.

Whilst comfort & facilties at a venue certainly help you enjoy the occassion - it kind of takes a back seat to whats actually happening on the ground.

Most of us on here have all been fortunate enough to witness some fantastic games at both ANZ and the SCG in Sydney, and of course the majestic MCG & Dome in Melbourne - some games have been absolute ball breaking rippers, others have been like a couple of hours of having your teeth pulled and those hours are lost forever. It happens.

[pinkemu]

I have to agree with you. I've watched the club play just about everywhere, and it's pretty obvious the SCG has fallen way behind every other major sporting venue in the country. It certainly has the worst obstructed viewing area problem of any venue in the country, and your observations about the Trust's attitude is spot on.

I can't see 1/3 of the boundary line on the eastern side of Swamplands and I'm in a premium seat.

[magic.merkin]

being a victorian commenting on TV viewing, I think we give away to much of an advantage being there.

[Cheer Squad]

I can't see 1/3 of the boundary line on the eastern side of Swamplands and I'm in a premium seat.

What's your bay and row number?

[goswannie14]

I can't see 1/3 of the boundary line on the eastern side of Swamplands and I'm in a premium seat.

The same happens at Docklands if you are sitting in the top tier. Can't see the boundary line in front of you. However, IMO,that pales into insignificance compared with what Dave is commenting on...having poles blocking your view in the middle of the ground.

[Cheer Squad]

The same happens at Bocklands if you are sitting in the top tier. Can't see the boundary line in front of you. However, IMO,that pales into insignificance compared with what Dave is commenting on...having poles blocking your view in the middle of the ground.

I've noticed the same thing happens at the MCG in the Olympic Stand, to my surprise. The higher you go, the more the boundary line is eclipsed.

[Lohengrin]

On TV, Homebush is a better spectacle than the SCG, except for the poor surface.

[Big Al]

Anyone that has seen my seats at the SCG (Front section of Brewongle stand opposite the Centre Bounce) will understand why I prefer the SCG. Their is no equivalent viewing angle for me at Homebush. They seat me on Level 4 which is too high compared to the SCG and and Level 1 is too low.

As for the atmosphere debate, I still believe the SCG to be superior but do concede that the perception of atmosphere is an individual thing and everyone will have a different view.