Metricon Stadium and the match day experience at Gold Coast SUNS home games have been ranked number one by AFL fans across the country in a national survey of the AFL’s nine venues.
The AFL commissioned Forethought Research to undertake a national on-line survey in 2011 to understand the relative satisfaction across 38 key elementsof the AFL match-day experience.
The elements were grouped into the six areas listed below and Metricon Stadium’s performance was outstanding, with fans more satisfied than at any other AFL venue.
Metricon Stadium and the match day experience at a GC SUNS game was ranked number one in five out of the six key areas.
• AFL Pre-Match experience
• AFL Match Experience
• Outside the Stadium
• In-Stadium Experience
• Leaving the Stadium
Premier Anna Bligh rejoiced in the survey results, saying he number one ranking for Metricon was a boost for the Coast and fantastic for SUNS fans.
"This puts Metricon ahead of the MCG as a great fan experience,” Ms Bligh said.
“If this is what fans are saying in a survey imagine what they’re telling their mates.
“There’s nothing more powerful than word of mouth.
“The big tick for Metricon is also great news leading in to the Commonwealth Games with the stadium to host the Opening and Closing ceremonies and the Athletics,” Ms Bligh said.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Travis Auld said he was humbled by the results.
“We were blown away by the support we received from the Gold Coast community in 2011, and it pleases me no end that the results reflect the emphasis we placed on our match day experience. “
“As a new club in our inaugural season we were blessed to have a new start of the art stadium to call home. Metricon Stadium helped us execute the game day experiences planned to help make a day at the football more than a match.”
“The results reinforce the match day activities we run during home games at Metricon Stadium and indicate that we are providing all Gold Coasters and AFL fans travelling to Metricon Stadium a fantastic day at the football.”
The research results cap a very positive first year for the GC SUNS and Metricon Stadium with 14,064 members, average crowds of in excess of 19,000, a significant number of interstate AFL fans attending matches on the Coast and over 5000 hours of community visits and clinics conducted by the players.
The Results
In reading these results, it’s important to note that a score of 7 or more out of 10 is generally considered a good score.
Summary of Satisfaction with Match Day Experience
AFL fans on the Gold Coast were most satisfied with Metricon Stadium when compared to all other AFL venues.
Key areas of success:
The stadium experience – Of the 22 elements tested regarding the stadium experience, Metricon stadium rated number one across 21 elements. From ease of ticket purchase, helpful stadium signage, availability of bathrooms through to the service provided by the stadium staff – Metricon came out on top.
The Match experience – the actual experience of watching an AFL match experience rated number one ahead of other stadiums. “Feeling part of the action regardless of where your seats were” rated a 7.70 out of 10 – the highest in the country – a great result for QLD sporting fans!
Areas for improvement:
Metricon Stadium rated third in regards to ‘Getting to the Stadium’ – a good result but with scope to improve. The current transport plan will require a constant review to ensure that Members and fans transport access to the stadium is as seamless as possible.
It’s important to note that separate Club research conducted in May and then replicated in August showed an improvement in satisfaction levels in regards to accessing the stadium.
