The airwaves are abuzz again with talk about hosting the 2008 Asian Champs. Where should it go? Who has the facilities? Who has two decent-sized ovals next to each other? Who has a location that is relatively cheap to fly to and is relatively inexpensive?
Yesterday, the Thailand Tiger’s President, Rhino offered Bangkok again as a venue for consideration as currently, no other venue has been locked in. If it is held in Bangkok, it would have to be held on 16 August (already, that is the only available date to book the Patana Grounds).
It must be said that the Tigers did an absolutley outstanding job this year.
In an earlier email, the Philippines believe that the Champs should be moved around the region “to showcase the game to the local community”. This is particularly important to the Philippines whose “main goal is to develop a proper league comprising of juniors and schools and just to be able to show every 5 to 10 years a major Aussie Rules event would no doubt be a massive help to any team”. Another option would be to formailise an Asian League with a North and a South Division; the top 3 of each division play off in Bangkok.
The Bali Geckos favour a permanent home which would also help raise sponsorship.
The Bintangs prefer a rotating system. It is a revenue generator for the host team. They can attract extra sponsors and give existing sponsors additional exposure. It’s also an opportunity to showcase footy to the locals which in turn, becomes a showcase to the AFL.
Singapore has said that they have two suitable ovals and they would be “more than happy” to host. Having said that, Bangkok is an exceptional venue with it being extremely accessible for all teams. However, it’s unfair to expect the Tigers to carry teh full burden of organisation each year. Perhaps a professional events management company could play a major role?
Well, that’s a snippet from around the region about where the Champs should be hosted next year.
What do you think? Post a comment.
