Power's Incentive To Build Crowds
Port Adelaide has taken a step towards improving their financial arrangement with AAMI Stadium, but must boost their attendances
SANFL chief executive Leigh Whicker announced on Wednesday that the new initiatives would revolve around increased match-day attendances for both clubs.
If the Power are able to increase their average home crowd from fewer than 24,000 in 2009 to 28,000 this season, they could pocket an extra $700,000 to $800,000 by year's end.
Similarly the Crows will receive a boost of up to $500,000 if they can attract an average attendance of 44,000 compared to 40,000 last season.
Port Adelaide and Adelaide were ranked 15th and 16th in respective stadia returns across the AFL in 2009.
The Power were $4.6 million behind the competition average, while the Crows came in at $2.4 million below.
Crows chief executive Steven Trigg welcomed the SANFL's move, but said negotiations on stadium yield still had a long way to go.
"It's a really healthy start for us and it's important revenue. It's set for 2010 but I think Leigh (Whicker) would be the first to admit that we've got some more analysis to do through 2010 in preparation for 2011," Trigg said.
"If you look at that average across the competition both clubs are still a long way off the pace, but the spirit of cooperation with the League is fantastic."
The Power have already put their campaign for more patrons into overdrive.
The club will decrease the number of empty seats at home games by covering 12 bays with black guernsey-themed banners and will also take over the old 'Crows Shed' for post-match functions.
Chief executive Mark Haysman said the SANFL's initiatives provided even more incentive for Power supporters to get down to AAMI Stadium.
"Leigh touched on some upside that can flow to us by getting more people here and our focus is simply that, getting more people to the footy," Haysman said.
"AAMI Stadium is our home. The 'Power Cauldron' and going 'Back in Black' here is all about enhancing the experience. We love playing here and the players love playing on this surface.
"We've had a lot of success here, so right now we need to focus on enhancing what we have here."
Whicker also used the opportunity to announce a multi-million dollar naming rights extension with AAMI.
The insurance company will continue to sponsor the western suburbs stadium until the end of 2013, at which time it's expected that AFL football will relocate to Adelaide Oval.
The SANFL and South Australian Cricket Association have until July 1 to reach a binding agreement on the proposed Adelaide Oval redevelopment.
Whicker said an update on the progress of the project would be provided in the coming weeks, but snuffed out suggestions the Power would play games at Adelaide Oval before 2013.
"I want to make it clear that as far as the SANFL is concerned, all AFL matches involving the Adelaide Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club will be played at AAMI Stadium over this period up to and including season 2013," he said.