Last Sunday’s NRL match at Campbelltown Stadium between the Tigers and Knights attracted more than 15,200 fans.
The teams produced one of the best game of the season and Wests Tigers took home the chocolates, winning 42-22.
But not all fans were happy afterwards.
Channel 9 set up a broadcast marquee in the middle of the southern hill – the one in front of Wests Leagues club – with a single camera and an operator.
Unfortunately, it meant that fans sitting around and behind the marquee could not see any of the action when play was taking place at the other end.
Among those affected were 11 members of Campbelltown’s [Gerry] Knights family.
Mr Knights, a former sports administrator, told the South West Voice the family members who attended were not happy about what happened.
“Our family group along with hundreds of others on the southern hill were not able to see half of the field/game, due to the Channel 9 tent on the hill,’’ he said.
“What a stuff up. So sad for the five kids we took.
“The combined Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights fans in unison kept chanting “what’s happening’’ when the play was on the other side of the field.
“It was a bit comical, but also sad,’’ Mr Knights said.
“People were really cranky and a lot left at half time.
“It was totally wrong for Ticketek to sell tickets at ‘full price’ for such a hugely obstructed view.
“This needs to be sorted for this weekend,’’ Mr Knights said.
Wests Tigers have responded to these concerns by issuing a statement to the South West Voice by the club’s chief commercial officer, Peter Lang.
“The Wests Tigers will work closely with Channel Nine to address the location of their temporary broadcast position on the Southern Hill at Campbelltown Stadium,’’ he said.
“The club is focused on ensuring the experience of members and fans in the area is not impacted at future games broadcast by Channel Nine, while balancing the network’s requirements to deliver a world-class broadcast to viewers at home.
“Fans who have purchased General Admission tickets to this Saturday’s game at Campbelltown Stadium will have the option to position themselves on either the Northern or Southern Hill of the venue.
“The club has made the request for the southern hill to be standing room only to create an atmosphere to suit the time slot of this fixture, while the northern hill will still allow for members and fans to sit and be a suitable location for families to watch the game.
“The seating in the bowl of the Southern Hill is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
“Any members or fans who have questions or concerns about their seating arrangements are encouraged to contact our membership and ticketing team for further assistance.”
Also, Campbelltown Council have confirmed Fox League – the sole broadcaster for this game – won’t have a broadcast tent set up on the southern hill at this Saturday night’s game between the Tigers and Broncos.