Bbc Sport Asking The Question

[ancient mariner]

You bet salty (sea dog)...ancient mariner?.

 

Excuse my sense of humour .

 

Duly excused

[topsoil]

I attended my first three meetings this season last week, two at Belle Vue and one at Sheffield. For what it's worth, I thought the crowds were better than on my last visit to those tracks which probably reflects the improved performances of the two teams. Perhaps Ipswich's struggles this season are reflecting in their attendances? Two of the meetings I saw were delayed due to weather and injury but the other meeting proceeded at a very leisurely pace. I'm sure better, sharper presentation would help crowd levels. Is speedway a £10 sport? No, unless it's at NL level. Any decent level sport is expensive to watch these days. Tickets for my local Championship level football club are £27 so £17.50 for EL speedway doesn't seem so bad

Two good points here. The first regarding slicker presentation. Every speedway meeting could benefit from this. But there are inevitable delays for track grading and injured riders. And while it may not be appropriate while there is an injured rider lying on the track, at other intervals during racing speedway could help itself enormously by keeping spectators occupied by various means, music, interviews, even quizzes or other fun ideas (I've seen examples of running races between kids and mascots at Glasgow).

Secondly the cost. The championship football team may charge £27.50 to get in but I bet the facilities are in a different league to any speedway club. On the odd occasion I've been to see rugby internationals or a Premiership football match and paid £40-£50 for a ticket, but get a seat in a great stadium, excellent views and facilities. Compare that to standing on a grass banking open to the elements.