Dear Sports Fans,
It's taken six weeks but we are finally back at ŠKODA Stadium this Sunday and that's something all sports lovers in Sydney should be happy about.
Make no mistake - this is one of the best stadiums in Australia. I often say it will one day become a Giant coliseum and I am convinced this is true.
For starters, it's family friendly. Close to public transport (or with the option of driving) it’s easy to access and there isn't a bad seat in the house. In fact every one of the 25,000 seats is just that - a seat.
At the GIANTS we want to offer the best fan experience possible. That's why we have set up things like the kids zone at one of the ground but also the biggest in stadium screen in the southern hemisphere.
Then there is kick to kick after the game. Something stadiums in Melbourne and elsewhere on Sydney don't do any more but which we strongly believe in at the GIANTS.
It's been one of the great traditions of our game over the years - watch your heroes in action and then when they have finished go out on the ground and try to emulate them. Sadly, those running our stadiums elsewhere don't think it's important any more and the fans are poorer for it.
We understand our responsibility to grow the game in Western Sydney and Canberra and the need to engage with our audience, especially those who may be new to our game. We want them to leave ŠKODA Stadium having had a fantastic experience and kick to kick is a vital part of that.
What better way for kids to finish their day at the footy than by running out on to the ground. Even if their team has lost, they go home with a happy memory from the day and want to come back next week.
Throw in curtain raisers, pre-match, half-time and post match entertainment including autographs signing sessions with our players and we like to think we are offering value for money. After all, we are in the entertainment industry and we need to give families reasons to come and watch us.
This week we opened the Tom Wills Oval, our new training base just a drop punt from ŠKODA Stadium. To think our training oval is named after one of the pioneers of our game and a man born in New South Wales shows our club - and AFL - is now well and truly on the map in Western Sydney.
Hopefully next year we might even be able to play round one at ŠKODA Stadium against the Swans or even a big Melbourne club like Collingwood. Just imagine - a packed house, under lights in the opening match of the season.
It's enough to make fans want to go out and buy a membership now because it won't be long before this stadium fills up and you'll have to be a member to guarantee yourself a seat.
Over the next six weeks we will have some terrific games at ŠKODA - the Crows, West Coast, Geelong and Port Adelaide. Throw in Essendon and Richmond in the second half of the season and it's a mouth watering prospect.
A beautiful Sunday afternoon, Mothers Day and the GIANTS taking on a big club Adelaide at the best stadium in Sydney.There will be even be a special pamper station inside Gate D so Mums can have a free massage, pedicure or manicure while the rest of the family watches the footy. If I didn’t have to coach I’d be there myself!
Look forward to seeing you at ŠKODA.
Regards
Sheeds
