From what I've heard from Perth, they have a cheer squad of teen/uni-age fans (starting chants about opponents, etc), plus a really excitable announcer that gets everyone going.

I read a comment on the Wildcats forum from someone who had talked to Nick Hambour and he'd said that he thought that the atmosphere was fantastic over there.

They do pack out the stadium a fair bit, so it might be that the crowd are in a more positive mood because of that?

I know it seems like a dangerous shortcut, but a few guys with a couple of beers behind them could be talked into shouting the occasional remark at an opponent.

I won't take credit for this idea, because Oscar told me he saw more or less the same thing happen at Wollongong, but: get a couch or two on the baseline opposite the dancers. Four loudest people win the chance to sit there and have drinks (nothing excessive, maybe a small beer per quarter) and fingerfood delivered during the game. Call it the Loudest Seat in the Dome, or Cooper's Couch (sponsored by Cooper's, hence the beer) or Coca-Cola Couch (by Coke -- hard to then have them drink beer though!). Make it bright green if it's the Cooper's Couch, or red if it's from Coke. Or call in Greater Union and make it a Gold Class seat promo.

Then let them heckle opponents without pissing off too many people. Let them lead by example (standing ovations when the team goes on a good run, starting a chant, etc). Take their photo and feature them on the website for the following week while taking applications/selling tickets for the next group of 4.

Easy to set up and could be done for nothing.

The couch sounds like a good idea. I'll put my hand up for a few beers and a shouting match.

FYI, Goorijan was down at training today watching the Power go through their paces.

And you let him into the sacred ground Liam????????

The guys in perth play $100 for the season to be apart of the squad in the refs uniforms ....the compete against the uni loonies to see who makes the most noise

Avanti,

I made a bet with him that if I had more hair than him he couldnt come in...needless to say I lost!

Ha!

A close run thing though Liam......

Too close to call.

Avanti,

Yeah I was ahead on the count with Goorijan, until a strong gust of wind blew my 'comb over' off.

Thanks Arnie...that's gotta be one of the most flattering photos "'ve ever taken. I'll know better next time to send you photos of me getting aroused holding the premiership cup!

Ive wanted to buy those thudersticks and make some LOUD noise...anyone else up for that?
Also make a sign or 2 for some atmosphere...maybe something like "NOT IN OUR HOUSE!!" And you could hold it up everytime the sixers get a flashy score or if the opp. miss an easy shot etc.

Feedback?

sc, I just remembered why I was so bored at the game tonight. I forgot my knitting needles.

EC - there's something wrong with you if you were bored tonight .... With or without knitting needles!

That was by far the game of the year and the atmosphere during the last quarter was amazing!

I can only assume that the $15 tickets at least partly contributed to the much better crowd tonight (as well as the fact that we were playing against 2nd on the ladder). I would love to know how many were sold.

according to the NBL Match Report

according to Fox sports report!!

sc - She was being sarcastic.

I do realise that - so was I!

Sorry guys. That was a brilliant game tonight.

Correction - Last night. Seems like tonight because I still haven't been able to sleep.

I reckon the crowd was closer to 6000 than bloody 4400! If that was 4400 then i think ive seen crowds of 2000 becasue quite a lot of the upper seats were taken which was good to c.

And didn't everyone go beserk on the Paul Rees 3pt play!