In the summer test match, 19000 at the smaller Mile High Stadium looked ridiculous on tv. Why do we keep persisting in taking the game to iconic stadiums without the demand being there? It consistently makes us look amateurish. One of the unique aspects of watching this great sport is the atmosphere created by us, the fans. If we want to grow the sport in Barcelona (which I am sure every one of us does), it needs to be played at a stadium that can create that atmosphere and inter-rivalry comradeship that is unique to our sport. Mini Estadi first and then if that gets sold out we move to the RCDE. To ergonomically grow the sport is the way forward and not trying the “Big Bang” like this. One day we might just get to see the Nou Camp bathed in blood and gold banners from top to bottom and a load of pasty Northerners looking around them in bewilderment!

Didn't Fartown play Catalan of old in Barcelona for a cup?

I can't wait for this this fixture, Barcelona is a marvellous city and it will interesting to watch the greatest game being played at such a fantastic ground. I have just bought some cheap flight tickets from Birmingham to Barcelona. Not yet decided on where I am stopping yet though.

Near 100,000 capacity stadium, Wigan averaged circa 13k attendance, Les Catalans circa 8k = approx 21k if every single one of them attended.
How many neutrals will attend ? Locals ? Other Club supporters ?

I would be very surprised to see more than 30k there, probably less & with the RFL's record of promotion this will become a sorry joke !

I think anything above 25k will be a success. It's good to see some ambition being shown, and hopefully it'll expose the game to some new fans. I'm thinking about going myself.

Me too. It is only 150 miles from my farm house.

Lmao

This game has already earned more column inches than any other game on the fixture list. That's what the Catalans are trying to achieve - exposure for their club, access to new audiences and appeal to new commercial partners. Will a one-off event do that? Probably not, but it should be seen as part of a long game.

Let's be honest, 120 miles is not particularly far - it's 1h20 on the high speed train.

I also don't get why the calls for discounted tickets are already coming out - prive it right, market it right and be confident in the value of this sport.

As for the stadium being too big? I think it's important to think that the Nou Camp is the attraction here. Miniestadi or Espanyol doesn't have the same allure that will get people excited. But a sport like RL being played in one of the most iconic grounds in the world? That's the appeal.itbdoesnt matter that there will be empty seats.

Honestly the replies to this thread are the exact reason rugby league is struggling at the moment in this country. It’s not just the RFL’s fault, but the fact people are slagging this idea off already shows the insular approach to the game.

What is to lose by moving this here? It’s bound to generate coverage in media, bound to be shown on TV so if I can generate extra sponsors or commercial revenue then excellent. Wigan fans were travelling anyhow so I’d maybe expect more to go with the novelty, I imagine Catalans will take a lot and with the political tensions on the Catalan region I’m sure Barcelona locals will want to support a team which resonates with the region. Aim high, try and get 50k there and invite all of the current Barca sponsors to sample the game and you only have benefits to the game.

Or we could argue that the game will look empty in a stadium because that matters so much

Standard rugby league fan responses obsessing over crowds.
Simple facts are the crowd (which is really not the big issue here) will be higher than the capacity of Gilbert Brutus, the game will get substantially more media coverage as a result and many rugby league fans (English, French and Spanish) will get the opportunity to watch a fixture in a unique and iconic setting. Plenty to moan about then!

They were talking about doing this game right after Catalans cup win so could’ve easily planned this game for June. They organise the fixtures every year so Wigan don’t play at home in June whilst the DW pitch is relaid and Leeds have 4 away games to start the year whilst the stadium work gets completed at Headingley. So they can organise fixtures a certain way.

I suppose you also have to look at the number of British ex pat rugby fans who could live in the south of France or the northern costas of Spain who don't get the chance to see a live game apart from on tv.

I think that the initial target should be to beat the Super League record crowd (outside of Grand Finals and Magic Weekends) of 25,004. That would be a great start.

Then hopefully Catalans could go back again next year and grow the event. That's a problem we have that we don't grow events, we do it once and never go back.

Agree 100% & wish both clubs good luck with the event! I just wish other clubs would grasp the nettle & try taking the game on the road, especially If we are lucky enough to get towns & cities bidding for the games? Must be a good way for area tourist boards to showcase their regions.