Daugavpils 7,000 7,000 7,000 Etc.

[manchesterpaul]

Been noticing that the Latvian team Daugavpils who race in the polish division one have had at pretty much every meeting (possibly all haven't got time to check right now) an attendance of 7,000.

 

With such outstanding support for the sport why are there not more tracks in Latvia?

 

I take it that the reasons for gaps on the terraces during the Grand Prix must be because of exhorbitant ticket prices when compared to the local economy? With the figure always being given as 7,000 exactly in the Speedway Star, barring an amazing fluke mathematical sequence, this must be the capacity. If so, that means the GP gets under 7,000 despite the crowd clearly having an influx of extra spectators from outside the country, so where do the regular supporters who follow second tier polish league racing disappear to - priced out?

[superguest]

Been noticing that the Latvian team Daugavpils who race in the polish division one have had at pretty much every meeting (possibly all haven't got time to check right now) an attendance of 7,000.

 

With such outstanding support for the sport why are there not more tracks in Latvia?

 

I take it that the reasons for gaps on the terraces during the Grand Prix must be because of exhorbitant ticket prices when compared to the local economy? With the figure always being given as 7,000 exactly in the Speedway Star, barring an amazing fluke mathematical sequence, this must be the capacity. If so, that means the GP gets under 7,000 despite the crowd clearly having an influx of extra spectators from outside the country, so where do the regular supporters who follow second tier polish league racing disappear to - priced out?

 

The Poles probably bring a few with them to league meetings, but I see your point.

[manchesterpaul]

The Poles probably bring a few with them to league meetings, but I see your point.

 

Thanks for the response superguest the same thing had crossed my mind.

 

Would be good if could hear from anyone who has ever attended these meetings to confirm or negate the published 7,000 figure every week. Even allowing for this being the British speedway forum it's clear we have many contributors from abroad.

[ballinger]

I've emailed my mate Sasha who lives in D-pils to ask him. I'll let you know what he says.

[2ndBender]

The Poles probably bring a few with them to league meetings, but I see your point.

 

It's a fair way from the Polish border - there's a big chunk of Lithuania in the way too! And it's a long, long way from the established Polish Speedway towns and cities. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't see too many away fans making the trip.

 

[Vicar]

Would be good if could hear from anyone who has ever attended these meetings to confirm or negate the published 7,000 figure every week. Even allowing for this being the British speedway forum it's clear we have many contributors from abroad.

No, it's less then 7000. Just look HERE meetings in Daugavpils. Under heat after heat you have attendance (widzów). Tys. mean thousands.

 

And I agree with 2nd bender. It's too far from Poland to go to Daugavpuls just to watch speedway. All fans probably are from Daugavpils.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Vicar

[manchesterpaul]

Many thanks Vicar for unearthing the stats. Pretty impressive crowds mind all the same for most meetings. Wierd state of affairs Speedway Star dutifully quoting 7,000 each week. Oh well life goes on lol.

[manchesterpaul]

Just a belated further thought on this topic. I've been watching videos from Duagavpils matches and it reminded me of this topic. It appears the average crowd is 5,000.

 

Surely they would get a full house for the GP's if tickets were not out of reach of the local populations economic levels. Anyone from Latvia can confirm that as the likely cause?.

 

I'm still very surprised that this season's penultimate GP is to be held at the 4,000 capacity venue of Teranzano in Italy.