How to make the big days truly special and grow crowds beyond the core racing fanbase

Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games have set the standard for what a sporting event can look likeCredit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

If you have read or watched even a news report about last weekend's Solheim Cup matches in Virginia then you will be aware of the epic failure of organisers to provide adequate transport between the park-and-ride facility and the Robert Trent Jones Club on day one of women's professional golf's signature team event.

Epic, you say? There were just seven (added vidiprinter emphasis) shuttle buses for thousands of ticket-holders. Nor had anybody told the drivers that the first tee shot was due to be struck at 7.05am, meaning that what should have been a raucous home-field atmosphere was distinctly lacking.

The same weekend, just shy of 19,000 fans attended the two days of the Irish Champions Festival, a total that doesn't seem commensurate with the quality of the racing on offer.

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Published on 22 September 2024inScott Burton

Last updated 15:08, 22 September 2024

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