Liam Flynn
Years ago
Sydney vs Townsville Game
Hi Folks,
I attended this game at the SEC and thought some of you may be interested in some feedback about the Kings Home game on the 2nd Jan:
Promotion/Advertising:
- I was in Sydney from the 30th and didn't hear anything about the game on the radio or TV which was pretty poor seeing it was in the middle of school holidays and people are usually looking for something to do with their kids. The cricket was on at the SCG so most of the focus on the media was on the Men in White, however, the Kings and Pigs did receive some good print articles, photos and game recaps in the Herald and the other paper (I think the telegraph) which also included game times for all the NSW teams.
Venue/Ticketing:
- I think the SEC is a terrific venue for basketball. I am guessing it seats 5000 - 6000 people, and offers a great view from all areas of the place. The seats are all cushioned and the air conditioning made the day very comfortable to view hoops. Tickets range from $16 (Silver class upper section) to $60 (Platinum Class corporate seating). Most people I saw bought silver seats at the door and then move down into the better sections after the first quarter. Every second seat in the first two thirds of the building had a program/club newsletter draped over it so that the fans can catch up on the latest news from the team.
Crowd/Entertainment:
- The place was only half full and not very vocal for much of the game. I can definitely see what Boti is saying about Adelaide being a knowledgeable crowd; much of the Sydney audience praise was saved for spectacular offensive plays that led to scores&and not much else. The entertainment was very good (Harlequin Dancers, Karate Demo and the mascot), though not as interactive as Adelaide. I think this was a big factor in the crowd being dead for much of the game, because they didn't feel involved in the game at any one time. The music and sound system was state of the art, a massive upgrade on the Dome, and Rodney O was awesome on the mic.
The Sydney dancers are eye catching and the Lion is hilarious! In the first time out he performed a ballet number in full leotard entitled 'Swamp Lake' with an inflatable crocodile in a tootoo as his partner and supported by a bunch of 6 year old little ballerinas. The number finished with the little ones kicking the shit out of the croc. I think the Townsville players who were walking back onto the court were struggling to keep a straight face!
The Game:
- This was a really close game, one that both teams had their chances to win. It was a high scoring first quarter (something like 40 32 Crocs), that turned into a fiercely contested battle towards the end. John Rillie put in a vintage display of 'scoring in bunches' for the visitors, while CJ 'could I try any harder to look like Allen Iverson' Bruton played well for the Kings (he hit the game winner as well).
Rillie single handedly brought the Crocs back into the game in the final quarter with a few deep threes and some slippery moves in traffic&all his points were on Smith and Sheridan who he made look second rate. He was very well supported by the 'Forrestvillian' Brad Newley who had 17 in the game, scoring his points in two spectacular spurts (one in the first quarter to get the Crocs going, and one in the 4th to aid Rillie in giving them a chance to win).
All in all a very entertaining day at the hoops&but not nearly as good as watching the 36ers at the Dome.
