2014 Showdown opener in doubt

[PowerBug]

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/adelaide-crows-willing-to-wait-for-first-match-at-the-new-adelaide-oval/story-e6frecoc-1226620315017

CROWS chairman Rob Chapman is prepared to turn his back on AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou's offer of a Friday night Showdown to open Adelaide Oval in late March next year.

Chapman yesterday recommended the AFL wait until at least round three for a Showdown so that the fans, police and stadium officials can adjust to the ways of the new 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval before exposing the arena and city district to the pressure of a sell-out derby

But now the timing of that Showdown is of greater debate, particularly for the AFL, the Stadium Management Authority that runs the new oval and the league's Friday Night Football telecaster, Channel 7. Demetriou publicly vowed to open the 2014 AFL season in Adelaide with a Friday night Showdown.

But Chapman yesterday called for Demetriou and his AFL staff to rethink the timing of the first derby to ensure Adelaide Oval and the city precinct is ready for a blockbuster event.

Can i say it? Can i say it? Sounds like you're scared. :P

Would be a real downer if the crows don't go through with this imo. :(

[Wes Mantooth]

They have to go through with it. It doesn't take a genius event planner to understand the issues and infrastructure challenges that will face commuters and staff. God damn Adelaide, use your brain.