I think it's quite clear what the lack of promotion/relegation is doing to attendances in the Championship leagues.

So far at Barrow our like-for-like attendances are slightly up this year on last. Admission prices rose 15% this season, so at least income will have increased by a similar amount (presumably). We still have Haven, Fax, Leigh and Widnes to play at home, so our average will only rise IMO. The footy season will also be over soon.

Widnes attendances, although still well top in the Championship, are declining - much like a lot of other clubs ...

2006 - 3530
2007 - 3407
2008 - 4517
2009 - 3808
2010 - 3072

I can't see the trend in the lower leagues changing much, unless promotion by right is brought back.

I didn't know Barrow had put their prices up, what are they now?

And don't bank on many Widnes fans getting up to Barrow for a 7.30pm kick off on a Thursday!

I think a reason Widnes gates have declined as we have similar seasons every year, looks like this year will be very similar to last year where we can beat anyone on the day but anyone can beat us. Maybe a decent run in the cup but we've got a very tough game against Barrow and Leigh are looking good.

I remember watching Widnes in the early 90's. I was only a relatively young lad then and to be honest, rugby wasn't my priority, but I was a regular attendee because I was proud to be following a succesful team and my granddad had a big influence. Unfortunately at this moment in time, we aren't the best which makes it a commitment from people to give up other priorities to watch Widnes.

My street on Saturday evening just before I left for the game was full of young kids, 9, 10, 11 etc who were all playing football and wearing football kits. Such a shame.

Out of interest, does anybody know what sort of crowds we got in the early 90's?

It's £15 Adult (+£1 transfer to Stand), £10 OAP, £5 kids.
Regarding the match v Widnes on Sky at Craven Park, the RFL have well and truly cocked-up. If either Barrow or Widnes progress in the Challenge Cup (Widnes have a very good chance), then the 5th Round is on Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th May. The Sky match is on Thursday 6th. Also bare in mind that Barrow's previous game is on the Monday before the Sky game (May 3rd).

So ...

Monday 3rd (Keighley v Barrow)
Thursday 6th (Barrow v Widnes SKY)
Sat/Sun 8th/9th (5th Round of Challenge Cup)

I haven't got a clue what they'll do if either team wins their 4th round match.

Whilst I think that are our fans are being turned off to the idea of a competition that's main motivation for winning has been ripped out I do think the away fans have a lot to do with these numbers.
The away numbers this year has been pitiful.. Barrow and Fax have been our two biggest home games and both sides brought little in the way of away fans.
Looking at those numbers. 2008 we had Salford in the competition and to be fair they brought a good number of fans that year. Leigh also brought good numbers that year and both, deservedly so, had the West Stand opened to handle the numbers.
Last year we lost Salford and had Gateshead and Toulouse replace them!! Leigh were on a significant downer and brought far fewer.
This year hopefully Leigh will be back in numbers to raise the numbers a little.

Thought we still brought at least 500 last season from memory though Chris so still substantially larger than everyone else?

SRC - the Barra-Widnes game would be postponed if it clashes with the Challenge Cup as, even though you're playing on the Thursday, it's still classed as the same round of fixtures. Sky then end up showing an extra Super League game IIRC.

Which street is this?

Why are you so interested?

He needs to know if its your Leigh, Wire or Widnes address

Ever seen 'silence of the lambs'? well thats Dalto.

As it says it my profile, Widnes.

Brooklands Park to be more precise.

Do you need the number?

I think you need to get over your suspicions. Its quite embarrassing for you.

rlGotta be this one .............rl

Cant be fingerposts again, can it?