Football clubs turn to drive-ins to keep supporter spirits high

Footy is back on both sides of the border, just minus the crowds for obvious social distancing reasons. Since crowds at the game as well as at the pub aren't allowed, several football clubs have come up with creative ways to still keep the supporter base pumped-up and excited with the help of the good old fashioned drive-in cinema.

We’ve recently brought you the story of singers and bands using drive-ins around the world to perform to large crowds at a safe distance while still feeling the live performance vibe and atmosphere. So if it can work for films, music and comedy, why not sport?

The success of these initiatives is exactly what the NRL's Brisbane Broncos and AFL's St Kilda are trying to emulate. So dust off the jersey and get out the pom poms, it's time to get back to the footy.

Brisbane Broncos Drive-In Footy kicked off the rebooted NRL season on the 28th of May with around 200 die-hard Broncos fans cheering on their team together from the comfort of their cars.

It was a first for rugby league to incorporate a drive-in live site which they did in partnership with Broncos sponsor Kia. There were special appearances from Broncos Legends Sam Thaiday and Matt Gillett as well as giveaways from sponsors Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Streets Ice Cream which added to the game day vibe of the usual in stadium experience.

While in Victoria, Saints fans will be able to cheer on their side during the round two clash with the Western Bulldogs from the safety of their cars down at the Dromana Drive-In cinema on the Mornington Peninsula.

An American-style diner will be operating on-site too, with guests able to order food from their phones to be delivered right to their car door. Social distancing measures will be in place, so drive-in goers will be asked to remain in their cars unless they need to use the bathroom.

Almost 500 St Kilda supporters will be able to watch the game from their cars, with the outdoor cinema to broadcast the Sunday evening game across three separate screens. There’s sure to be much car horn tooting and headlight flashing for that game.

Over in Denmark they’re also giving drive-in football a go too. FC Midtjylland, the Danish Super League leaders installed huge screens in the car park outside the MCH Arena in the city of Herning so supporters could watch the live action together from their cars. Over 2000 car spaces were made available outside the stadium, which were very quickly taken up by very excited Midtjylland fans keen to cheer on their beloved team once again.

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