Can’t mask the Bolt effect

The Central Coast Mariners are set to draw a bigger crowd for Friday’s practice match than they normally would for an A-League game.

The Central Coast Express Advocate Usain Bolt mask

It might only be a practice match but on Friday night the Central Coast Mariners are set to draw a bigger crowd than they normally would for an A-League game — and all because of one man.

With Usain Bolt set to make his professional football debut at some stage, most likely for 10 or 15 minutes late in the match, Mariners officials are expecting a crowd in excess of 12,000 for the pre-season hitout against a Central Coast select XI at Central Coast Stadium.

The same training match last season was played at Pluim Park, Lisarow, and was lucky to draw 500 fans.

The Bolt effect is there for all to see when you consider the largest home crowd the club drew in last season’s A-League was 12,044, for the opening game against the Newcastle Jets. The Mariners recorded an average home crowd of 7194 — the second-worst of all 10 clubs.

“From the reaction and the interest we have had so far, we are expecting about 10,000 to 12,000 on Friday,” a Mariners official told The Australian.

The club is planing a fireworks display and other entertainment on the night in an attempt to engage with the community. Prices will be kept to a minimum, with family passes costing $50 and the cheapest seats $15 for adults and $8 for children.

“There will probably be people who have rarely, if ever, come to one of our games, so it is important we try to make it an event that makes them want to come back next time,” the official said.

The local community has also gathered behind the Bolt experiment. The Central Coast Express Advocate newspaper has printed 100,000 Usain Bolt masks that will be inserted into Friday’s paper.

“That’s a bit weird, but not too weird,” Bolt said with a laugh when told about it.

“It happened during my track and field career.”

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey said he welcomed the added attention the game would bring.

“It will be a great chance for some of the younger guys in both sides to experience that crowd,” he said.