Cricket's Big Bash League and the Brisbane Int'l tennis tournament have "both seen high numbers through their gates in recent weeks, with novelty
entertainment proving as much of a draw card as high quality matches," according to Beth Newman of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The
"entertainment product" that is the Twenty20 Big Bash League aims to
bring in "first-time fans and this strategy is obviously working for the
Brisbane Heat, whose crowds continue to climb despite the side sitting
in last place." Brisbane Heat's home crowds are "growing each match." The Big Bash League has targeted families to "boost attendances and have
seen more women attending games in recent seasons, many for the first
time." The Heat's Rocket Man, who "flies on a jet pack from one side of the
Gabba oval to the other during the innings break, the Heat dance crew
and a number of incarnations of Kiss Cam have all been used to boost the
wow factor at the Gabba." Heat GM Andrew Blucher said entertainment "took precedence over results for some fans." Blucher: "We're trying to cater for a different audience and a focus of it is entertainment fundamentally." The recent Brisbane Int'l "also attracted big crowds." The tournament's kids day was "one of five record-setting sessions of the week" (SMH, 1/12).
