Newcastle Jets require crowds of 12,000 to break even

Struggling A-League club Newcastle Jets need to attract about 12,000 fans to each home game if they are to break even this season.

The Jets are currently experiencing financial difficulty and were handed a $300,000 bail out by Football Federation Australia this week but are in desperate need of growing crowds to ease the financial burden says CEO John Tsatsimas.

"We need people to get to the games," he told the Newcastle Herald. "That is the best and the quickest way for the community to help the club."

Newcastle are required to pay $15,000 worth of hire costs to EnergyAustralia stadium’s major tenants, NRL club Newcastle Knights, and must also cough up around $60,000 in matchday costs indicating that increased crowds are an absolute must.

“In a climate of relatively low support from the corporate world, you need a 12,000 crowd on an average basis to be able to break even," Tsatsimas added.

"That is without recourse from catering, signage and pourage. If you had those opportunities you are able to sustain the club and expand.

“People are still waiting to see what the final position will be," he said. "No one will say tomorrow, 'Here is x-y-z.' Experience dictates that these things are done over eight- or nine-month discussions. No one will say 'Here you go guys, I feel sorry for you - done.'

"We are more reliant on the general public to make a statement in terms of do they want the team here. That gives us a base."