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Greyhound crowds down at Dundalk Stadium due to the fall in sterling
Attendances at Dundalk Stadium for greyhound meetings in 2009 were down by 26%.
After years of a long boom period, the entertainment industry took a major financial hit in 2009, as many people had to tighten their belts.
Dundalk Stadium was no different as they exceeded the average decline in attendance figures. According to the Irish Greyhound Board, attendance figures at the sport throughout the year were down by 21 per cent though the fall in numbers stabilised during the year and restaurant bookings actually increased in August and October.
In Dundalk, there was a 26% decrease, which they have attributed to their proximity to the border and changes in customers travelling to the north, and exchange rate changes.
Dundalk Stadium CEO Jim Martin admitted that 2009 was a tough year on everybody in the entertainment industry and that very few companies did not see a drop in attendance figures.
He said: "The drop seems to be across the board, whether it be entertainment venues, or soccer, horse racing or greyhound racing. It was a sign of the times last year."
The strength of the Euro has actually had a negative effect as the volume of northern consumers travelling to the stadium dropped.
"The strength of the Euro meant that it was more expensive for people travelling from the north. For the person going to Newry to get value in their shopping, it is now the opposite for them as regards coming here for entertainment."
The figures though only relate to greyhound meetings and do not give an account into the figures for the stadium's 20 plus horse meetings each year.
But, they are pushing ahead in 2010 to get those lost numbers back.
"It was a tough year, but it was tough all over and I think the recovery will see the numbers come back again. People who regularly go to the dogs, three times a week may only go once or twice now, but the key for us is to provide value for money and make the package as attractive as possible for people."
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Weather for Dundalk
Thursday 17 May 2012
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