The prospect of music during corners, goal kicks and substitutions at A-League matches appears dead in the water after clubs distanced themselves from the radical measures.
All but two Australian clubs have categorically ruled out the controversial in-game entertainment to AAP.
The two on the fence, Adelaide United and Central Coast, also say they’re also unlikely to adopt the divisive party-starters.
In-game music hit a bum note with fans after it was floated by A-League chiefs earlier this month.
Their fears won’t be realised, although clubs are keen to cash in on the wave of interest in football that usually follows a World Cup.
That could include in-game ground announcers, live bands and stadium renovations as clubs chase people back to the football.
“There’s a fine line between being creative and coming up with new ideas and jeopardising the integrity,” Sydney FC chief executive Danny Townsend said.
The Sky Blues are on the road this season due to Allianz Stadium’s demolition and are looking at live music.
“We’ve got a licence to experiment,” he said. “We’re going to test the boundaries from a fan experience perspective (but) the 90 minutes are sacrosanct.”
Newcastle boss Lawrie McKinna differs, saying his club is exploring ways to harness the power of a home crowd during a match.
“We are certainly interested in the ground announcer being part of the crowd,” he said.
“Not everyone that comes to the A-League is a mad football fan. Some need a bit of help going berserk and bananas … a ground announcer could help.”
The Jets will also renovate their ground precinct to make it a venue worth spending more time in.
The Mariners will lead the way on safe smoke after club chiefs liked the atmosphere from the controlled flare release at the Usain Bolt trial match.
United, like several clubs, are watching the trial carefully.
Melbourne City, which hit a concerning low of just 1800 people to its FFA Cup quarterfinal last week, said their off-pitch offering of food trucks and craft beer would continue.
Melbourne Victory will have new giveaways and promotions in their pre-match and at half-time.
Perth chief Tony Pignata, formerly of Sydney FC, said he’d been gathering ideas in a year away.
Glory has a deal for free public transport on match days and will grow the number of “fanbassadors” and family-friendly spaces.
“We are football but we are in the entertainment business, competing for families and their spend of their entertainment dollars,” he said.
“We need to make sure it’s memorable and enjoyable, on and off the pitch.”