Concurrently running with Skyfire didn’t stop a record-breaking 18,884 people attending the Raiders’ first home game at GIO Stadium Canberra on Saturday 15 March.
It is the biggest first home game crowd since 1999.
“Thanks to all the fans who came to support us on Saturday night,” the Canberra Raiders said.
Former Canberran, and Canberra Raiders fan, Kristy Giannasca brought her daughter Sienna down from Queensland for the match to celebrate her 16th birthday.
“It was her birthday the day after. We were like, that’s your present, we’re going to Canberra, we’re going to watch that game,” Kristy told CD.
“The incentive to come for this one was like it’s the first home game of the season,” she said.
“It’s just a vibe; you get to do the Viking Clap with everyone.
“We miss that when we watch the away games.
“It’s definitely sort of nostalgic. It’s something Sienna and I got into together really, so it’s nice of us to be able to come here.”
They ended up on the same flight down from Queensland as the Brisbane Broncos.
Before moving to Queensland three years ago, Kristy attended every home game in Canberra.
“Even if it was freezing cold,” she said.
Kristy said the whole family – her, her husband and five children – hoped to drive down for another match later this season.
Another family from Queensland travelled down from Brisbane and Rockhampton with three generations in tow – the first match for the younger family members.
The Viking Horn duties went to Hands Across Canberra board chair and Raiders Foundation contributor Greg Boorer and the pre-match playlist was courtesy of Josh Papali’i.
The imagery before the match included snippets of the videos of the team’s time in Las Vegas and ended with the wording Vegas Raided. The Raiders beat the New Zealand Warriors 30-8 at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas on 2 March.
There was a hubbub among the crowd as both teams warmed up – and of course, a few boos when the Broncos’ names were called out at the start – and directed towards the Brisbane team throughout the match.
When the Raiders’ lineup was announced, Ricky Stuart received the loudest cheer of the night.
It was palpable being in the stands for my first Viking Clap in person – I’d only ever seen videos of it.
The fans got behind supporting debutant Matty Nicholson who scored two tries as the Raiders recorded a comfortable 32-22 victory over the more-fancied Broncos.
The half-time entertainment was performed by 100 dancers from Industry Dance Co, which brought back memories of the time I did cheerleading for Melbourne Storm when I was a teenager.
The dancers created (a very long) guard of honour for the players to return to the field for the second half.
Were you at the game on Saturday? What are your thoughts on the upcoming season following the match?
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