Hopes Shark Park will create bigger splash [Nelson Mail]
Trafalgar Park will now be known as Shark Park for the Makos' games against Auckland next Tuesday, followed by Otago on Sunday, August 21, and Manawatu on Thursday, August 25.
The idea is the brainchild of the Tasman union's commercial and marketing manager, Les Edwards, in conjunction with Classic Hits, and Mr Edwards said it was simply "a gag" to help boost ticket sales.
Mr Edwards said Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio had announced the name change on local radio and temporary signage would be put up for each of the three games to highlight it.
"We just want to get some hype and awareness for the remaining home games and hopefully we'll get some people turning up," said Mr Edwards.
He said there was no intention to officially rename the park and he wasn't concerned about potential name clashes, with South Africa's Sharks Super 15 team having already nicknamed their home ground in Durban the Shark Tank.
"It'll never fly long term – it's Trafalgar Park, mate," he said.
"It's just the same as calling the Trafalgar Centre the Hangar and if it can become part of the colloquial expression of going to watch the Makos, then that would be fantastic.
"And if everyone starts getting behind their team, making it a real home-ground advantage, that would be great."
What do you think of the name change? Vote online at nelsonmail.co.nz
- The Nelson Mail
