[TheWall]

Although more of a league based issue, I coached football in the US for the Galaxy and Revolution academies in the late 90's/ early 00's and saw how they built up attendances to what they are now.

The main thing noticeable was the whole experience such as the day starting with fans football games in the mornings, inflatable football table (where kids strap themselves in), free raffles, etc. However, the main thing was people were encouraged to set up their own BBQ's etc and make a day of it with players walking around meeting the kids and the like.

Inside the ground the kids were kept involved with free face painting, song sheets (similar to what the barmy army do) and the chance to have a penalty competition on the pitch beforehand, which was amazing at the Rosebowl. The biggest winner was they gave you a voucher with a players name on it and if he scored first then you won a prize of the day. It could be a tiny scarf, burger from a local take-away (Free advertising in return) but it meant the kids learnt the players and as such if they saw them in the city then they would make a big deal of them.

Anyway not been the Crown for a few years as I'm now in Perth but it seems similar. Perth Glory try similar stuff but give all boarding houses and schools lots of tickets about 2 weeks prior or give free tickets for all on the 1st game of the season to encourage people down. They also have fanfest's and the like and the ticket used to include free public transport meaning that people travelled a fair distance to attend.