The reasons for the decline in spectators are thus manifold. It would be all the more interesting to know how the organizers themselves assess the development.
LAOLA1 wanted to know: From the organizers' perspective, what are the main reasons for the decline? And what measures are being taken to attract more fans back to Spielberg?
The answer: Iron silence.
A five-point list of questions was initially rejected. On Thursday, following an inquiry, the feedback was that no statement could currently be offered.
This is how transparency works – not.
Transparency Would Help
There would be a lot to explain: Who sets the prices for tickets and catering? What drives the cost of accommodation? And what exactly is planned to win back fans?
Open answers would not refute all criticism. But they would create clarity - and possibly understanding. Because one thing must be credited to the organizer: there is no lack of offerings.
The fan zone has been expanded again this year, plus there are concerts, DJ performances, autograph sessions, and activities for younger visitors. So, there is no lack of commitment.
New Date, Old Problems
However: an ever-expanding supporting program alone won't bring the fans to the track.
The argument of the unfavorable summer date is also no longer sufficient. This feedback was heard, and the Grand Prix was moved to mid-September this year. Whether this will have the desired effect is, however, questionable.
Seit die Königsklasse in Spielberg gastiert, gab es nie einen österreichischen Stammfahrer. Trotzdem kamen immer wieder deutlich mehr als 100.000 Fans.
Ticket sales were sluggish in the run-up. A grandstand seat on race Sunday costs more than 200 Euros, while a standing ticket costs 89 Euros.
Hoping that fans will still come in large numbers at short notice is certainly risky at these prices.
No Local Hero as an Excuse
The yearning for an Austrian local hero is also not a sufficient explanation.
Since the premier class started racing in Spielberg, there has never been a regular Austrian rider. Nevertheless, consistently well over 100,000, sometimes nearly 200,000 fans came to Spielberg.
KTM Is Not the Entire MotoGP
KTM is also not the sole explanation. The financial crisis has undoubtedly diminished its appeal. The fact that 30,000 fewer people come due to the removal of the KTM grandstand is also a fact. But MotoGP is bigger than KTM.
And yes: Since Valentino Rossi's retirement, the World Championship has been missing – with Marc Márquez as an exception – a superstar who attracts people far beyond their own fan base to the track.
At the same time, there are still numerous identifiable figures like Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, or Pedro Acosta.
The Battle for Fans
The truth probably lies somewhere in between: rising costs, the date, noise, the sporting situation, missing superstars, and changing leisure habits.
There is probably no single reason for the decline in spectators. This makes the organizer's silence all the more incomprehensible.
Because the competition doesn't sleep. In Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, there are other MotoGP venues that are fighting for the same fans.
For Austrian visitors, these alternatives are sometimes quickly accessible and significantly more attractive in terms of price. The battle for the audience will therefore not get any easier.
Spielberg Must Act
Therefore, it is not solely the task of MotoGP to become more attractive again. The World Championship also needs to win new spectators, retain existing fans, and market its stars.
But the organizer must also promote its race accordingly and make it a must-attend event for fans once more.
This also includes enduring criticism and answering questions.
Because what's the point of citing surveys that claim the Red Bull Ring is the best racetrack in the world for spectators if fewer and fewer spectators are coming?
Silence Is Not a Strategy
A good product does not automatically sell itself. The Grand Prix in Spielberg therefore needs more than a good supporting program.
It needs a clear strategy, good marketing - and above all, the willingness to speak openly about why fans are currently staying away.
Silence is certainly not a strategy.
