The St George Illawarra Dragons in conjunction with the Illawarra Business Chamber held their 2014 Corporate Season Launch at the WIN Sports and Entertainments Centre in Wollongong on Wednesday evening.
Over 450 local Illawarra Businesses and Dragons Partners were represented at the event, which included an address from Head Coach Steve Price, and the introduction of the 2014 Playing Squad including the 10 new faces who have joined the Club this season.
Dragons CEO Peter Doust took the opportunity to provide some insight into the Dragons Business Plan and Strategic Direction moving forward as well as explain the Club’s ‘Right Game Right Venue’ Strategy that sees the Dragons play home games across five venues in 2014.
“Rugby League will always be our primary objective and we are very committed to the game across all levels within our region,” said Doust. “From grassroots development, through our Junior Representative programs that involves four teams, our High Performance Pathway Development program, NYC, NSW Cup through our association with the Steelers in the Illawarra Cutters and our elite NRL program,” said Doust.
“However, we are more than just a rugby league club, with a strong commitment to and focus on our Dragons Community initiative that runs programs across eight pillars: Grassroots, Charities, Culture, Education, Women & Girls, Environment, Mentoring and Health.
“In 2013 our players spent over 9500 hours in the community and we ran programs in 215 schools,” added Doust.
In November last year the Dragons announced a shift in their home venue strategy for the next four years, a strategic initiative in partnership with the NRL and Doust explained to those in attendance the reasoning behind the decision.
“This ‘Right Game Right Venue’ decision was based on a platform for economic enhancement and growth capability, leading to long term financial sustainability,” said Doust.
“Whilst revenue across our other major income streams has increased year on year, for many years, it is fair to say the same revenue streams have matured and plateaued over recent times. Without change to our business model our growth opportunities will be limited."
“We needed to improve the economics of our Game Days, secure match scheduling advantages and ensure that our Club and brand would continue to be a part of marquee fixtures in the future.
The Dragons first Partnership event of the year is the Charity Shield at WIN Stadium on Saturday night. This is the 32nd Charity Shield clash between the Dragons and Rabbitohs, and the first time that the event has been held outide of Sydney.
Casual Hospitality options are available for the Charity Shield and for the 2014 season across all playing venues.
For information about corporate hospitality at the Charity Shield please click here
To view the Dragons e-brochure please click here
