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| Atmosphere building on Hill 16, Croke Park. |
Tribal
passion is a common theme among many sports teams, none more so than Dublin
GAA. Fans flock in their thousands to a particular brand: the Hill 16 brand.
The iconic Hill 16 stand in Croke Park is synonymous with Dublin GAA fans. The
terraced stand awash with sky blue jerseys is a permanent staple of GAA matches
throughout both the league and championship campaign. There is a sense of pride
for a Dublin fan standing on Hill 16.
Hill
16 certainly adds to the atmosphere in Croke Park and this is something many Dublin fans want to be included in. The electric atmosphere and jovial spirits, which culminate in section B4 behind the goal, creates a mindset where fans yearn to be part of
the 13,200 Dubs on Hill 16 in order to further increase their team’s chances of
victory.
The
impact of the 16th man is often referred by players and officials in the GAA.
The roar of a crowd can be the motivating factor in Brian Fenton fielding that last kick-out or Johnny Small blocking down that last scoring opportunity. Sports arenas are noted
for their decibel level and Croke Park is no different. Studies have found that
the decibel level of a seated crowd at a match averages at 110 while a terraced
crowd reaches 120. The size and grouping of the supporters is also a factor. Subsequently, this is an extremely influential factor for the Dublin team as Hill
16 is the only terraced area in Croke Park and it is also the biggest collection
of one team’s supporters.
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| Dublin goalkeeper, Stephen Cluxton, kicks Dublin to an historic All Ireland victory. |
Hill
16 creates a bond between fans and players. Consequently, there is an enriched
fandom towards the players. In a three year study from 2010 to 2013, it was
proved that Dublin are more clinical when shooting towards Hill 16 than towards
the opposite end of the pitch at the canal end of Croke Park.
Rob Carroll of thevideoanalyst.com notes that: “The average free taking success rate across
all teams in the football Championship is 65%. In Croke Park, Dublin have
averaged a success rate of 66.6% of frees kicked into the Canal End whilst all
of their opponents have managed 65%. However, when Dublin kick into the
tranquil Hill 16 their average rises to 75.4% and their opponents’ drop to
59.3%. This provides a huge advantage to Dublin as it represents an increase
of 10% in accuracy when kicking into the Hill whilst their opponents accuracy
drops 5%.”
Fans
want to be part of the action. Standing on the Hill ensures you are part of the
team. There is statistical proof that being a fan on Hill 16, cheering on
Dublin, improves their record on the pitch. There is nothing more empowering
than knowing you’re actively helping your idols on the pitch. Sport inspires
young fans. Sport touches the depths of our emotions. Sport engages our minds. The GAA embodies all of these characteristics.
Indeed
it might be difficult to explain why a fan loves a particular sport when caught
up in the emotion and bias of love towards a particular team. However, overall
there are clear and concise reasons why a Dub can become so enriched with Dublin GAA.
You may be battling many problems socially, but for that 70 minutes when you
are a fan watching your team play,
they ebb from you like a tributary river into a calm lake. The highs and lows
of unpredictable entertainment ensures sports fans are hooked in a world of
fandom for life, something the Dubs know all too well.
S.DAWSON 03/06/2016
