THE Tasmanian Devils are investigating a gate-takings debacle from Aurora Stadium on Saturday when 3628 people went through the turnstiles - but only 1029 paid.
The overall attendance figure included players, support staff and officials from NTFL curtain-raiser matches, as well as Auskick participants across a marathon day of football.
It climaxed with Tasmania's stirring win over Springvale under lights.
But Devils officials were shocked when they compared the gate receipts against the seemingly healthy attendance figure.
Less than one-third of the people at the venue paid to get in, making the gate revenue extremely lean.
Devils president Guy Abel said yesterday he would review the attendance records with club accountant Brett Harris later this week.
"On the figures I have seen, and they've only come through to me today, of the 3628 people who came through the gate 2599 were complimentary,'' Mr Abel said.
While there are normally no freebies for Devils games, occasionally corporate backers buy tickets in bulk for their clients.
There are no freebies for the Devils' round 13 match against North Ballarat at Bellerive on Sunday.
If Bellerive lives up to its reputation as a drawcard for spectators, it would make any proposal to uproot the Devils from Hobart for a new home in Launceston extremely unlikely.
There is an opportunity, if we get a good crowd, to not only support the players in what is a crucial match, but
help the decision-makers determine where we should be playing footy,'' said AFL Tasmania's general manager Scott Wade.
In regards to VFL football in Hobart, there needs to be a decision made as to where the Devils play, be it North Hobart or Bellerive.
If people vote with their feet this weekend, it will impact on deciding where Devils games should be played. We will continue to play games at York Park because it has lights and Friday night games have proven to be successful and Saturday night games reasonably successful.''
The Hobart City Council is working closely with the Devils and North Hobart Football Club on proposed upgrades for North Hobart.
Given the Devils are based at North Hobart, in terms of training facilities and offices, should the ageing ground get an overhaul it would be difficult for Tasmania's VFL team to move on.
North Hobart hosted the Devils' biggest attendance this season of 4528 when they played Geelong in round two.
Last Modified on 29/06/2005 15:39