Essendon is calling on supporters to load up The Barracks on Sunday against a hungry Brisbane Lions squad.
Under the new moniker ‘The Barracks’, the club aims to turn Etihad Stadium into a red and black fortress for all Essendon home games.
Last week the players came out to a dark entrance with red lighting along the race and a laser show projected onto the ground. Whilst the dark entrance will be reserved for night games only, it highlights a red and black theme throughout the stadium including race banners, LED animation and EFC branding on more than 1500 newly installed IPTV screens.
“Fans and players alike have been supportive of the enhancements at the ground thus far,” says Ryan McKee, Head of Marketing & Brand. “The key for us is to find those things that compliment what it means to be a Bombers supporter without taking away from what makes the game great. Whilst we’re trying a number of initiatives this year, we’re also surveying our fans regularly and monitoring online feedback to ensure we represent the club and its supporters in an authentic way.”
One aspect that has already helped enhanced the game day experience is the return of Kevin Sheedy.
“Sheeds’ return has already been felt on game day, as his ‘Battle Cry’ video series stokes a bit of that rivalry that Essendon fans love to rally around. Seeing him waving that jacket after round 2 was a great moment and something that will be an iconic part of our big wins”
Some areas are still works in progress. The clubs is still looking for a leader of the newly installed Active Area to lead in chants and work with the club on large-scale visuals.
“The aim is not to copy a soccer environment, but rather to enhance what has already been occurring in that area for years. The cheer squad has a great visual presence and those that stand behind the bay have some fantastic club and player-related chants. Ideally we can find a person or group of people to bridge those two and help spread it throughout the stadium. The best atmosphere comes from the fans themselves, so we need to be cognizant not to over-produce things and let some stuff happen organically.”
Outside the stadium, fans will be welcomed by the EFC Ground Crew, who are on hand to assist with questions and hand out giveaways. Etihad Stadium has also gotten in on the act, dressing up the ticket-takers in Essendon scarves.
Of course, Skeeta can be found roaming around the stadium all game long, including at the newly enhanced AFL Playground located at Gate 5. Be sure to get a photo with him in his giant-sized Instagram Selfie Frame!
We can’t wait to see you at the footy this Sunday. Adult GA tickets are just $25 and all kids get in free on the day. There will be free popcorn and $3 pies for our young Bombers supporters and best of all, bring your footy for a kick on the ground immediately following the match.
Click here to purchase tickets.
