Clive Bibby: Watching on TV isn't the same as being there

Recently, l tuned in to watch the NZ cricket team doing battle with their Aussie counterparts at the 50,000 seat Sydney Cricket Ground, a place steeped in history that usually offers the viewer an experience worth the effort.

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus restrictions, the two teams were playing in a stadium that was totally empty.  It was a charade but it also quickly became unwatchable irrespective of who was winning at the time.

I quickly switched channels to the Super Rugby game in Hamilton where there were about 10,000 loyal fans in attendance. The difference in atmosphere for anyone who couldn't be there in person was remarkable and the difference was the crowds reaction to the closeness of the scores. You could sense the tenseness.

I was reminded of the importance crowds make to an event. And it doesn't really make much difference what the actual numbers are because other factors come in to play to compensate when they are relatively small. 

A full house at the Basin Reserve in Wellington which caters for little more than 12,000 total, can provide an atmosphere that is just as electric as one played at the MCG with its 100,000 plus capacity depending on what is happening out in the middle.

It is the variety of the individuals who attend and the capacity of the moment to influence reaction from those who pay to be there that makes any particular game unique.

When you add in the iconic reactions of the local crowds who regard these particular gatherings as an opportunity to take part in traditional community activities such as the word famous singing at the Welsh national stadium you have a performance that is always memorable. Even small sections of a crowd can stamp their presence on the event - the English cricketers are followed around the world by a team of loyal supporters called the "Barmy Army" (no more than a few hundred) who blow trumpets, sing their national anthems, wear medieval crusader costumes and contribute more than their number represent to the occasion.

Similarly, a group of "Richie Benaud (famous Australian captain and commentator) supporters have become a regular feature at the test matches during the Aussie cricketing calendar. Great stuff. 

But probably the most important characteristic of a crowd is its ability to accomodate people of all types, sizes, ages, ethnicity, religions, political persuasions etc. 

They all have different reasons for being there although there is usually one common denominator for different sections of the crowd eg. which team you support. 

My own experience of being in attendance at one of these events is the sense of unity that transcends our own particular prejudices. We all want to share and contribute to the occasion. 

Anzac Day is one of the best examples of a community gathering together in memory or celebration of a common cause. 

In my home town of Uawa, Tolaga Bay on the East Coast, (800 residents) we regularly see half the community turning up at the dawn service. 

Sadly, this event looks like being cancelled this year because of the virus restrictions as well. What a pity but understandable. 

My guess is that the first sign of the authorities being confident that they are on top of this pandemic will be when we are allowed to turn up in our thousands to these sporting events.

That might take a little while.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.