I can't understand the criticism of this marketing tool. Huddersfield Giants is a logical choice for me. The title of 'The Big One' is just for marketing. It bares no relation to the stature of our opponents (we had Warrington last year). We've had it against Leeds and Warrington previously and since then we've seen the attendances in the same corresponding fixture from the following year increase. Games like those now market themselves and wouldn't make much financial sense for Wigan to do it again. Saints is a given as a fixture that sells itself. So who is the only other decent side around at the moment? - Huddersfield.

The whole concept of this isn't solely to boost the away attendance - it's not even a priority. The incentive is to get more Wigan fans through the gate. The fact that the travelling support will be better is a bonus, but not at all too important. We want as many Wigan fans to come through the game as possible. It's interesting to note our average attendance each year has increased since this event and the number of season ticket holders each year has also increased since the event. This could be one of the reasons with people becoming hooked after finding the impetus to come to a game with the cheap tickets on offer in such a big match.



This demonstrates just how effective this marketing tool is becoming. It's a trend that can't be ignored.

Our ability to attract 20K will be a challenge, but this is good. I'm thrilled the club are pushing themselves to get more people through the gate. It's what every club in every sport should be doing. How can you criticise this? Instead of ridiculing this idea we should be getting behind it. Fans have constantly whined in the past about how we should be doing more and now we are they're still moaning! Get behind the club, get behind the event and let's try to reach the 20K.

I personally can't wait for the fixture. Was very tasty last time, two very good sides and a big crowd - what's not to like?

Absolutely irrelevant.

i know the concept of a week/weekend on the costa brava or south of france or a friday night in wigan might seem like a no brainer, but yes there was a few of us in perpignan

It's a big hill though

and 21 miles

Surely the purpose is to improve the attendance of the Huddersfield game not try to beat the Leeds/Wire figures. Hopefully the Huddersfield fans turn out in force which I am sure they will esp if both teams are in the top 4 come game time!

I agree that people shouldn't be having a go at Wigan on the basis that Hudds aren't a big club or don't have a big supporter base. The truth is that there aren't enough big clubs in RL. That isn't Wigan's fault.

The figures you quoted (thanks to Matty B for that) are really interesting, it's only two teams and not a scientific poll, but the year following the Big One seems to show an increase in crowds. This could be a way of making people see the Hudds fixture as a bigger attraction (a lot of fixtures against smaller clubs, even the good sides like HUdds just aren't seen as attractive by more casual fans) and as long as they remain a good side the benefit could be longer term, not simply a big one-off crowd this season.

We should be applauding Wigan for this. IL has talked about aiming for 20k average gates - personally I think that is achievable and think what it would mean for RL's financial health and profile if we and Leeds were doing that, with say Hull, Bradford, Saints and Wire not far behind.

It'd be ace if this game hits 20,000. It really would, because Huddersfield are a strong side who deserve a strong away following. Would love to see a packed DW for the Huddersfield game, I can see Wigan vs Hudds becoming a fixture with a massive impact on any title challenge over the coming years.

Apparently this is expecting to switch to Saturday 25th June at 5:45pm for Sky TV but let the club confirm first.

More chance of getting some more hudds fans then

Would rather it was on the saturday but not on sky.

Suppose it is only right this game gets on tv though after its recent past. We have seen some high quality rugby played between these teams and they have quite a bit of rivalry between them. They have a quality record at our place and this needs to change.

Please be switched to saturday! Im at a concert on the friday night which im dreading as it is!

Wire v Saints has been confirmed on the Friday, so you lot should be playing on the Saturday.

Yeah thats it. Sky want to show your game in 3D and Saturday is not an option for 3D coverage so your Friday and we Saturday. Seems Saints v Wigan the week before will also be on Sky 3D.

If Saints v Wigan is going to be in 3D will they have to put the camera back on the other side of the pitch?

They will need cameras at each 20m line and the North stand has already got people in those seats I assume. Will they reduce the capacity of the south stand to fit in the 3D cameras???

I dunno. I'm only going off this - [url=http://data.skyprogrammeinformation.co.uk/prog.php?id=17407200&chan=3DTV&week=406=#FF0000data.skyprogrammeinformation.co.uk/prog.php?id=17407200&chan=3DTV&week=406[/url

The Stobart Stadium in 3D?

If this is true this is something the club need to get confirmed ASAP before the majority of the marketing goes out and before the majority of people buy their tickets - otherwise they'll risk putting off as many new fans as we attract if they cant make the game for any reason on sat.

Lets hope for an early announcement from the club re this if this is right...this needs to be announced in the next week ASAP IMO.

I expect it'll be confirmed tomorrow actually. I'm more disappointed that my car sticker now has the wrong date on it!

Someone else going to Old Trafford Cricket Ground then? Glad its not just me

Me 2

.

For once I'm glad Sky have moved a game!

I hope they don't move it.

It is moving!

B@stards

GGGRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!