Event Notes: Brisbane State Of Origin Fans To Pay Up To $347 For One Game

Diehard State of Origin rugby league fans will be "slugged" up to A$425 ($347) to go to the only match of the '15 series in Brisbane. The Queensland Rugby League has launched its "Maroon Membership" packages which range from A$260-A$425. Membership package costs have increased 15% on '14, when the top range was A$370 (Brisbane COURIER MAIL, 1/21). ... Chelsea Chair Bruce Buck has reassured fans that the club does not plan to "use artificial crowd noise to improve the matchday atmosphere at Stamford Bridge." In November, Manager Jose Mourinho "opened the debate on the Chelsea noise levels when he claimed that playing at home was 'like playing in an empty stadium.'" There has since been "much debate within the supporters and at the club on ideas to improve the atmosphere," but Buck has "categorically stated that recorded noise is not an option" (DAILY MAIL, 1/19).