In-game music hits bum note with A-League clubs

The prospect of music during corners, goal kicks and substitutions at A-League matches appears dead in the water.

Newcastle Jets boss Lawrie McKinna: ‘Not everyone that comes to the A-League is a mad football fan. Some need a bit of help going berserk.’ Picture: Peter Clark

The prospect of music during corners, goal kicks and substitutions at A-League matches appears dead in the water after clubs distanced themselves from the radical proposals. All but two clubs have categorically ruled out the in-game entertainment.

The two sitting on the fence, Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners, say they are also unlikely to adopt the party-starters.

In-game music hit a bum note with fans after it was floated by A-League chiefs this month. Their fears won’t be realised, although clubs are keen to cash in on the wave of interest in soccer that usually follows a World Cup. That could include in-game ground announcers, live bands and stadium renovations.

“There’s a fine line between being creative and coming up with new ideas and jeopardising the integrity,” Sydney FC chief executive Danny Townsend said. The Sky Blues are on the road this season due to Allianz Stadium’s demolition and are looking at live music on match days. “We’ve got a licence to experiment,” he said.

“We’re going to test the boundaries from a fan experience perspective (but) the 90 minutes are sacrosanct.”

Newcastle boss Lawrie McKinna said his club was exploring ways to harness the power of a home crowd during a match.

“We are certainly interested in the ground announcer being part of the crowd,” he said.

“Not everyone that comes to the A-League is a mad football fan. Some need a bit of help going berserk and bananas … a ground announcer could help.”

The Jets will also renovate their ground precinct to make it a venue worth spending more time in.

The Mariners will lead the way on safe smoke after club chiefs liked the atmosphere from the controlled flare release at the Usain Bolt trial match.

Melbourne City said their off-pitch offering of food trucks and craft beer would continue.

Perth chief Tony Pignata said:

“We are football but we are in the entertainment business, competing for families and their spend of their entertainment dollars.

“We need to make sure it’s memorable and enjoyable, on and off the pitch.”

AAP