A whole new ball game at stadium
BOTH times I have watched the Cowboys from Queensland Country Bank Stadium I have been greeted by an eerie experience.
Before the players ran out to take on the Brisbane Broncos in round one, the arena went pitch black, anticipation building for the beginning of a new era in Townsville sport.
But that moment was followed by the raptures of thousands of spectators, the long wait between games finally over.
This time was different. No cheering fans, no theatrics, just raw rugby league.
Entering the ground lacked the same punch of anticipation as round one.
The historic moment and the eager fans created a buzz that signified, win or lose, something special and historic was in the works.
As the players ran on to the ground, the stadium attempted to create the atmosphere. The lights flashed on and off and pyrotechnics were lit up in the stands.
Music still played at various intervals, serving as a reminder there were still others present at the ground.
It had been 70 days since North Queensland took on the Canterbury-bankstown Bulldogs. So when they ran out against the Gold Coast Titans, for a moment the lack of a crowd atmosphere was forgotten.
Football was back, the woes of the pandemic forgotten. However, as the game wore on the absence of fans became more apparent. The extra energy that can fuel the way you write about or view a game was gone. You relied purely on the game in front of you.
But as different as it felt, it was calming that a sense of normality had returned.
A sport reporter deprived of sport is a fidgety individual, and for nearly three months the search for stories that did not feature “amid the coronavirus pandemic” was an often frustrating venture.
The reality is, while the eventual return of fans will be welcomed enthusiastically, the product is still very much alive.
Rejoice Townsville fans, rugby league back in the North. is