Gabba test (Aus vs West Indies) - 26/01/24 🍟
Published: January 26, 2024
I'm far from an avid cricket fan but I headed along to the second day of the Australia vs West Indies test at the The Gabba on Friday. It has been 10+ years since I've gone to the Gabba to watch the cricket so it was great to head back and I nailed the timing as I ended up seeing the Windies take 5 wickets within the first couple of sessions.As I sat there with a drink in hand I thought it would be cool to do a little review as a fan attending.
I've covered a few fan-related angles but keen to keep evolving. Love to know what's a deal breaker for you when heading along to a live event.
Scoring: Out of 5 hot chips. Over 2.5 hot chips and I'd go back. Anything under and there'd need to be some changes for me to head back to another match.
Attendance: 29,216
Ticket price: $65
Transport: I was able to drive in and park in a "No Limit" park just within the Gabba no-park zone. It was a 10-minute walk.
Seat: 430 CC 283 great spot
Entry wait time: Arrived at 3pm. No wait, straight through bag and ticket check.
Toilet wait times: 15 seconds avg. (from end to start of line on average)
Bar wait times: 20 seconds avg (from end to start of line on average) Fan Engagement: The usual 4-6 signs, Mexican wave, inflatable balls, and the trumpet in the area - good vibe.
Hot chips: good temperature, fresh, but a little overcooked.TOP
TAKEAWAYS
GET ME SOME FANS: It was pretty damn hot. It was bearable when seated, but behind the seating, it was dead still, and I wasn't lasting more than 10 minutes at a time. Would have loved some Big Ass Fans to get the air moving.
NO BALL SPEED READER: They didn't have the ball speed reader up until after dinner break. I didn't realize how important this was for me to feel more connected to the game.
DRINK OPTIONS: Never great, I've come to expect it, but was surprised how many people I went with mentioned how average the drink selection was. Totally appreciate how difficult it is to cater to everyone.
HOW MANY HOT CHIPS: The weather definitely impacted the score. I landed at 3 hot chips, but I'd definitely head back even if it was that hot.Not sure when the next event is but can’t wait to review some more.
