In an effort to "win back crowds to the competition and add to the fans’ enjoyment" of gameday, the A-League will "run a trial of entertainment ideas throughout the first month of the new season," according to the AAP. Safe smoke from flares in the stands, fan zones modeled on the World Cup and "lights and music during play are all on the agenda." The league’s "jump into the realm of cricket’s Big Bash is aimed at luring young families" to football after "a year of declining crowds" and TV audiences. A-League Head Greg O’Rourke spent the offseason working with clubs and stadiums to develop the plan to "cash in on interest from Russia 2018." O'Rourke: "We're fully aware of what the Big Bash entertainment product is and how it attracts young families. We need to make sure we’re not closed off to that." O'Rourke "is adamant the bells and whistles will be no substitute for what the sport does best: singing and supporting from the stands." He said, "We want to see the return and growth of active fans that have a large, boisterous, entertaining, standing, singing, chanting culture." Most "controversially, there will be music played with accompanying video" during goal kicks, corners and substitutions. O'Rourke: "The plan is based on what fans felt were missing out of an end-of-season review" (AAP, 9/17).
