Footy clubs on right track, but here’s a few new ideas

I REALLY think things will turn around for both the Titans and Suns in the medium term.

Both clubs are working in the right direction with a focus on culture as this is where we may have been weak in the past. Because of that, we will be OK on the field.

However, there are massive opportunities off the field that can be made in regards to winning more hearts and minds outside of the club.

Things that can be done to improve this are more player-driven interaction with the public. One great way to do this without being overly intrusive on players’ time is to create an Esports tournament/s that the players/coaches/ staff can play each other and fans young and old. Most players play things like Fifa, NBA 2K and Madden and so do the fans. Why not bring the two together?

I think this will be fun, humanise the players and coaches and break down the normal barriers that are in place between the players/coaches and club and public.

Other things to bring more people to both AFL and NRL games are:

Food: It is terrible, I believe that they are in their last year of the contract. Why can’t the clubs (or Stadiums Queensland) look to source food from within the local area of say 150km?

Smarter stadiums: I don’t mean the flashing LED that gets labeled smart. I think things like the delivery of food to seats where people can either pre-order or order whilst at the game via an app. This will eliminate the problem of standing in line when the game is on. Same for drinks.

Geo-fenced digital content: If you are at the ground, you deserve some additional content that those at home do not see. Perhaps it is video streams from around the ground or access to things like a choice of replay via OTT tech.

All Gold Coast sporting teams, first and second tier, should be united and work together more closely for cross-sport learnings and promoting a culture of Gold Coast first.

At the moment it seems as though they are just trying to survive, which is understandable, but they can do much more together.

Look at Melbourne. It is club first, Melbourne second and the code of sport does not matter. Here on the Gold Coast, it is code first, club second (most times this is not a local club) and Gold Coast a distance last.

There is nothing worse than watching a sports show on Fox such as Bill & Boz and they all roll out the usual comments that the Gold Coast is not ready for a national sporting team, is a retirement town and holiday destination. That is certainly not true.

The most disappointing thing is that no-one tries to set them straight publicly. We just take the hits. I know that the organisation Gold Coast Sports is trying to change this and bringing business into the equation, which is powerful.

I think amazing things could happen. I want the Gold Coast to be strong across the board.