The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have entered into an historic agreement aimed at promoting goodwill and fan engagement for matches between the two teams for the next two seasons.
The two-year agreement encompassing fixtures for the 2018 and 2019 seasons will see matches promoted as 'home games' by each club, in addition to:
- A gate-sharing model which will see both teams evenly share revenues from ticket sales at each match;
- Free public transport to Members of both teams, regardless of who is hosting the match;
- Free entry to members of both clubs for all matches;
- Ability to offer Corporate Hospitality at each match for both clubs;
- Ability to sell merchandise at each match for both clubs.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly is excited to see big crowds turn out for games between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs.
“This agreement between two of the NRL’s biggest Clubs will be a great boost to both of us, in terms of revenue generated from the games and the experiences our Members and supporters will enjoy at our matches,” Mr Solly said.
“Good Friday is always a marquee match on the NRL calendar and now both clubs will be able to benefit financially as well be able to provide a brilliant at-game experience and build up to the match.
“We have a great working relationship with the Bulldogs, as well as ANZ Stadium, and collaboratively we’re all looking forward to seeing our Members and supporters turn up in big numbers to truly make it two home games per year for the Rabbitohs against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.”
Bulldogs Chief Executive Andrew Hill sees the agreement as a major step forward in regards to promoting landmark fixtures.
“I am delighted that we have been able to reach this agreement with South Sydney to jointly promote all matches as 'home games' for each club for the next two seasons.
“Both clubs have felt that this agreement will provide the best outcome for members and fans, with the cross-promotion of the match being the number one priority.
“This will start with the upcoming Good Friday match at ANZ Stadium and I would like to thank the South Sydney club for being part of an agreement that is an innovative way of trying to increase family attendances at our matches.
“There is no doubt that the players from both sides love playing in front of big crowds and this agreement can only help in that regard.”