Richard Earle: State government must strike accord with Adelaide United or hurt punters
NATIONAL Rugby League relief at extracting South Australian Government rivers of gold to host State of Origin contrasts with the cold treatment Adelaide United receives from North Terrace.
As the March state election nears, United’s faithful could wonder when a little love from from state rulers will flow.
If Labor is re-elected as expected for a record 20-year reign - it must strike accord with the state’s A-League club.
Having steadfastly refused to improve a Hindmarsh venue without any parking facilities or cover on its north, eastern and south stands, government allowed AFLX to rip up the playing surface on February 15.
The situation at a government-owned facility was a nationally televised embarrassment and illustrated United’s standing despite sole tenant status.
Reds officials haven’t noticed Sports Minister Leon Bignell at a game since the 2016 grand final but it’s understood he was at Hindmarsh for AFLX.
While the Reds struggle for traction, rival codes and events enjoy significant government embrace.
Danny Green and Anthony Mundine saw their retirement nest eggs balloon taking an estimated $10 million apiece from their Adelaide Oval veteran’s bout last February.
Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong commanded around $1m annually to feature in the Tour Down Under.Sydney’s ANZ and Allianz Stadiums are scheduled to be redeveloped during 2020, prompting the NRL to shop its flagship Origin product around the nation.
Players' V.A.R confusionTaxpayers could fork out up to $6 million dollars to secure an Origin event. Melbourne will host Origin this winter and Perth next year. Adelaide is the end of the gravy train for Origin’s road show.
If 10,000 Origin diehards descend on Adelaide they will have to consume millions in beer and burgers before the NRL’s event fee is wiped. Conversely, 10,000 Western Sydney Wanderers fans filed into Adelaide for the sell-out A-League grand final in 2016 at no cost to the taxpayer.
The Wanderers Army ate, drank and sung their way through Adelaide delivering considerable economic impact.
The extent of government funding received by United has totalled $75,000 annually in the two years since Adelaide won its inaugural A-League title.Meanwhile Adelaide United’s women’s team gave up playing curtain raisers at Hindmarsh before A-League games because there were no female change rooms or showers to use.
Having lavished $575 million dollars on warring cricket and football to unite at Adelaide Oval, surely the Reds and soccer community deserve better from government.
Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City have benefited from sponsorship through government agencies such as WorkCover or the Road and Accident Commission.
The tenants at Adelaide Oval get 50 per cent of food and beverage revenue but the Reds get nothing at Hindmarsh.United boss Greg Griffin is attempting to lure Serie A powerhouse Napoli to Adelaide which would be massive for the city and our 100,000 residents of Italian origin.
That mission would be easier with high-level backing. Mr Bignell, to his credit, has announced $19 million in funding for an overdue Gepps Cross soccer hub to be run by Football Federation SA.
Clear and intricate detail is required on the coaching and academy structure to harness SA’s next generation of talent. United is based in modest club rooms at Playford but there was no mention in the Gepps Cross master plan of links with United.
The Reds side that took on Wellington Phoenix three weeks ago had eight home grown players - an astonishing development feat on a meagre budget. There appears to be deep enmity between government and United but fans shouldn't pay.
