FIREWORKS and a footy hub at the Westpac Centre are on the cards for Collingwood as it attempts to provide a greater entertainment package for fans in 2015.
The Magpies plan to beef up their engagement with supporters for home games this season, starting with the use of their training base as a meeting point for fans ahead of games at the MCG.
Collingwood CEO Gary Pert told AFL.com.au the club was looking to bring back the "tradition" associated with attending the footy, with the Magpies set to roll out the initiatives prior to the start of the home and away season.
"We want to have the Westpac Centre as a real hub before the game and have it as an exciting thing for the whole family," Pert said.
"We'll be doing a lot of activities at the ground. We'll be having BBQs, kick-to-kick and also getting past players down.
"[Our plan is] to have it as a meeting place where people can come and have something to eat and drink before the game and then walk over to the MCG together."
After an extensive process that canvassed the views of their supporters and membership base, the Magpies are also keen to improve the fans' experience within games.
The club has been working closely with the AFL and in particular Travis Auld, the League's general manager of clubs and AFL operations.
At select night matches, the Magpies are planning to implement fireworks to boost the excitement levels of fans.
Pert refused to be drawn on specifics but he did touch on the reasons behind the initiatives.
"It just adds to the atmosphere and really the supporters are saying, especially the families, 'We'd like things to keep us connected. We don't like a lot of dead time,’" Pert said.
“While all these things are going on, it just keeps the energy up and keeps everyone excited."
Pert has spoken to MCG and Etihad Stadium management about using the LED signage (traditionally used for advertising), around the boundary, to help relay messages to fans.
The Magpies will also look to use the big screen at games to have live 'look-ins' to the players' changing rooms, which could involve an interview with a player or coach before the opening bounce or even a chat with particular personnel during games.
"We want the games to be as great as they can be, but our supporters and members see the whole experience before the game, during the game and after the game all tied into that one entertainment package," Pert said.
"So we needed to listen to them."
The Magpies play nine home games at the MCG this season, including four at night as the home team.
Collingwood's plan to improve the 'Game Day Experience' for home games
Westpac Centre prior to home games
- Kick to kick
- Membership and merchandise offerings
- Supporter food and beverage specials
- BBQs
MCG on game day
- Coverage direct from the rooms to the scoreboard
- Big screen entertainment
- Fireworks for night games
- Return of the traditional banner
- Barrackers end with the cheersquad behind the goals
- Quality artists for pre-game entertainment
