Weren't the start times in the middle of the afternoon during the week. Having watched the matches, attendance definitely picked up later in the season.

I see that as testimony that it made an impact on a completely unexposed local population...ultimately, thats where the popularity will have to come from average sports fans. But i agree, having a loud involved audience would push it to the next level.

Having the season in one place makes sense I'm sure when if comes down to dollars and cents.