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| Late to this thread, but I have to say that as somebody who has been to almost every international at Twickenham since the 2015 6 nations commenced I have to agree with Woodward. The concourses at Twickenham are constantly buzzing with people throughout matches until the bars close. It is my general opinion (and this may well be a sweeping judgement) that a good percentage of people who attend matches at Twickenham are only there for the social side and basically to either do business or attend with fellow club members. The cost of the ticket (extortionate compared to many other sports) is irrelevant, its about being seen and having a jar or 12 with mates.
They are not overly interested in the fayre on the pitch. They simply go for a full day out and a stonking hangover the following day. This is bourne out by the lack of families that go (as a percentage of the crowd) compared to a big league match.
It is basically part of the social calendar and to be there is to be seen, especially amongst white middle class males. The same type that wouldn't lower themselves to watch a league match and certainly wouldn't mix with the type that attend football matches. In the summer they can be seen swilling fizz at a T20 cricket match or sat in the main stand at Lords paying £100 a ticket for a rain effected day of test cricket.
The RFU paly up to this. The footprint of bars and food outlets around Twickenham is now massive. Every food concession is there. Even Krispy Crème doughnuts can be bought in packs of 3 for either £5 for plain ones or £6 for fancy ones. The whole occasion for an individual with a ticket, enjoying a few beers and some food, would cost you in the region of £200. All money heading towards the RFU's coffers.
Compare that to the Stade De France where I went in March, were I paid £140 for 4 tickets (I've just got two tickets for the 6 nations next year for £105 each) which has very few bars and very few food outlets and you start to grasp the scale of the marketing machine that the RFU have at Twickenham.
So Sir Clive can whinge all he likes, the RFU won't care so long as every seat remains filled at every international, and every half decent fast food outlet and alcohol company adds to their commercial value.
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