Rugby league has always been a business, but nowadays it's more about generating income than ever before, and that affects the type of crowd you draw. All the gimmicks attached to the match day experience are for the benefit of less passionate fans. Passionate fans will be there week after week,gimmicks or no gimmicks, win lose or draw. The regular, longstanding attendees tend to have a better understanding of the game, consequently they see more, feel more and that is what generates passion thus the atmosphere. I've nothing against family groups being targeted and exploited for financial gain, but a lot of them are just bums on seats swelling the coffers, wearing the replica shirts from XS to XXXL. A large percentage of the crowd come for the "matchday experience" rather than the match itself. When I started coming as a kid i was happy with a 10p programme and a black and white picture of Neil Hague for 5p if I was flush. Rugby League nowadays is a perfect example of life in general, people need so much more in a material sense before they can even consider being happy.

Going to Odsal at the height of Bullmania and watching all manner of weird looking creatures and object parade around the speedway track was akin to an LSD trip.

We shouldn't forget that somewhere tucked away in a cupboard are 3 more Rhino mascot costumes - was it Rita, Ricky and Rosie?

To be honest I think we should forget that .

I thought they had been deported?

I agree. It was meant as a reply to the post about Bradford's farcical parade! We went too far occasionally too!

I think I saw some of those creatures in and around Valley Parade on Sunday!

Bloody UKIP.

Surprised it's taken this long.

Said to my Dad I thought the Atmosphere wasn't the best to be honest.
But, it's the first game of the season and it wasn't the best of opposition may of had something to do with it?!

Few new people around me who we're too busy getting p!ssed and shouting obscenities.

As another moan, Beer prices gone up again, yes I know it's utter crap Beer but I do enjoy a Beer whilst watching the Game.

The atmosphere has been pish poor for a good year or so now.
Apart from the traditional MOT and the opening five minutes of banging the drum.
There is very little chanting, singing or motivation coming from the SS.
And before anyone gets on the I don't come to listen to the singing I come to watch rugby.
Well ask the players what they think when the crowd gets behind them.
There's nothing better than listening to the SS going mental and singing their hearts out.

Think people are maybe waiting to see what unfolds. Not easy to get overexcited about wins v Hull KR and Widnes after last year's collapse. Should the team show up well against the better teams, to a point where we can believe we're genuine contenders, then the atmosphere will lift accordingly.

My earlier band/drum comment was tongue in cheek btw.

Don't think it'll be much better come next Thursday either.
I HATE Thursday Games with a bloody passion.

And there`s hardly going to be much banter with the Giant`s fans, all 50 of them!

There's sort of a divide I feel. Between the band, the people right at the back and the people just in front of the first barrier (from the back of the SS) lets all just be friends and sing and hug.