This is why free tickets is a good idea some times. Most of those tickets will have been given to people who don't normally go down to games so if even 500 of those 3000 decide to go again, that is a decent increase for Widnes. Plus the free tickets bump up match day attendances as well, that 9000 will help bring Widnes' average up at the end of the season, especially if they got even just a couple more of those which I think is doable if they have done it once.

Is it really? Do you see football teams offering 3,000 free tickets on the first day of the season?
Widnes still could've got 9,000 without the free tickets, but we'll never know.

Regardless of the freebies, that's a decent attendance. More importantly, any newbies amongst the alleged 3k bludgers got to see an entertaining game.

Gutterfax mode on****
'
3000 free tickets that is rubbish what a poor sport. The 6 nations will have 80,000
free tickets. They will be to well connected to rich people in blue chip companies. RFl a joke.

Gutterfax mode off *****

Rovers have sold 11,500 tickets, heading for a sell out at CP.

No problem with free tickets.....uts how too follow up that's important. These 3k recipients need to be contacted fir feedback and invited back at a discounted rate....attendance is a habit.....it needs encouragement to get folk used to going to games.
As I say, well done widnes. Regardless if why they were there, that's a very good crowd

www.hullkr.co.uk/club/news/artic ... ar-running

www.hullkr.co.uk/club/news/artic ... ar-running

Comparing apples and oranges there.

I'd rather see 9,000 watching RL than 6,000. If any of those 3,000 extra were first-timers, then it has to be a good thing.

Well thats twice in the same week I'm agreeing with GF, if free tickets gets bums on seats, then so be it. The follow up is crucial, turning the kid who turned up for a freebie into a "FAN", also lets not forget it a) looks more appealing to advertisers and sponsors when their aren't so many empty spaces and also looks better on the tele' doing the overall image good and so it goes on, empty stadia just LOOKS bad!

I don't get the gripe with giving away free tickets. I attended my first RL game using a free ticket, and I've had a season ticket for over 20 years now.

Exactly and if you're going to do it, then a season opener that's live on Sky is a perfect time to make the ground and occasion and club look bigger and better than had they only been 6,000 there.

The fact that there weren't 12,000 there means we probably do know,

12,008 at Saints tonight, up from 11,321 in the same fixture last year. All things considered a very positive start.

Many came to see Todd Carney, and were disappointed not to see him.

I wouldn't call 8 people "many". I'm pleased you did telephone the 8 to establish their disappointment this morning.