SMH wrote:Aussie Stadium fights to stop Bunnies exodus
By Steve Mascord
March 5, 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Aussi ... 75997.html
Aussie Stadium has stepped up its bid to keep South Sydney by offering to match Telstra Stadium's financial guarantees - as long as the Rabbitohs attract at least 13,500 fans to home games.
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson is tomorrow expected to recommend a move to Homebush Bay for the next four years when the club holds its annual general meeting in Redfern.
But officials of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust revealed last night they planned to forward a revised offer to the foundation club next week after meeting Richardson on Thursday.
"Under our new proposal, if Souths can manage to attract 13,500 to 15,000 people then our offer is on a par with what Telstra [Stadium] is guaranteeing," Aussie Stadium spokesman Greg Campbell said. "They should start to have faith in their own team. Souths should be careful not to abandon their heartland; they are not a western suburbs team."
Campbell said Aussie Stadium and the club had reached "an agreement in principle" midway through last year but Richardson had asked for changes.
Richardson said last night: "I haven't seen their new offer yet so I can't comment on it. I look forward to reading it."
The Rabbitohs' average crowd was only about 10,000 last year, meaning there would still be a significant financial gamble in accepting the Aussie Stadium offer.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said he had spoken with the club "and expressed my reservations about making such a decision based purely on finances".
Ken Edwards, the chief executive of Telstra Stadium, said he was happy with the talks he had held with Richardson. "We've put our best foot forward in talks and we can only wait for Souths' response," he said.
Appears to be a big risk whatever decision Souths make with an average crowd of just 10,000 last year.
10,000 in an 85,000 seat capacity stadium would look very embarrassing for not only Souths but the NRL I would imagine. Staying at Aussie Stadium and hoping for an average of 13,500 - 15,000 also has its risks though. At least at Telstra Stadium the Bunnies are guranteed income no matter what the crowd. Would a move out west alienate their heartland supporters in the inner city?