AFL plans to make our game even better Susie O'Brien
From: Herald Sun
April 07, 2012 THE AFL has unveiled a bold plan to make the game even better for fans, with stadiums to offer everything from free blankets for seniors, singles bars and playgrounds for children.
League chiefs are examining a range of innovative strategies to make footy more attractive and accessible.
"Footy is what it's still all about, but it's also about making the game affordable, accessible, and with good customer service," said AFL general manager of strategy and marketing Andrew Catterall.
Plans to make life better for fans include:
MORE places for kids to play, more parents' rooms and more women's toilets;
MEET-and-mingle bars, big screens and live music to create a better atmosphere.
FOR older fans, more ways to stay warm and comfortable, with blankets available, more coffee stations and increased safety.
The league regards the new Gold Coast Suns stadium as the model for the future, with the MCG and Etihad key targets for further modernisation.
"All this will evolve as stadiums get refreshed," Mr Catterall said.
"At the moment the No.1 stadium is the Gold Coast in terms of the whole experience and this will flow through as the other half of the MCG and Etihad Stadium are revamped."
The plan was welcomed by seniors, fans and parents' groups but has been questioned by Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.
"The MCG and Etihad are both great stadiums and the AFL and the MCC are spending $50 million on the Southern Stand, so there's plenty happening already," he said.
St Kilda cheer squad manager Jenny Loring said diehard fans came well prepared, but liked the idea of free blankets.
"And free tea and coffee would be nice."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/afl-plans-to-make-our-game-even-better/story-fn7x8me2-1226320785156
