AFANA Footy BBS

I went to the AFL Final on Fri night at Kelly Mission Rock. Big mistake.

I've been to the last couple of grand finals which were previously at Rawlings. I have to say that after eventually finding my way to that dingy excuse for a bar I was shocked. That's an area for stabbings, not for a footy final. I at least expected a place where they didn't hose it out in the morning.

The 'screens' were bloody tablecloths! The pies couldn't be picked up they were that damn soggy.

To make it worse, as well as a couple of Aussie expats, I invited a bunch of Americans from work, and well, let's just say that we all left at half time.

I hope someone got a good kick back to at least make it worthwile for *them*. I can tell you that I won't be going back to that dump *ever* again.

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> I went to the AFL Final on Fri night at Kelly Mission Rock. Big mistake.

Thanks for letting us know about your experience, John. Unfortunately, AFANA is not responsible for organizing or running any of the GF parties we list, as that would be logistically impossible for an organization of our size. We'd need a hundred times the current membership just to have enough people on the ground in every US and Canadian city. We provide the party list as a public service to fans and local party organizers. This is noted on our main GF party page.

We've had another report of problems at this venerable and long running GF party. I would suggest that you contact the Australian American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco which provided us information on that party. Their contact is Robin Morales, (415) 345-1763 or ozchamber@aol.com and let the AACC know of your bad experience.

Do let us know what they have to say as it might affect whether we choose to list their party next year.

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman

AFANA Blog

The following message was received from Robin Morales of the AACC regarding the San Francisco party (in response to a separate complaint):
I anticipated receiving an email or two reflecting similar sentiments ... as there doubtless was an audio problem at various intervals and sections at Kellys. We were equally frustrated with their inability with the sound system as they were, too. Regarding the screens, we were told they were getting two 8 X 10 foot TV screens upstairs and one 10 X 12' screen downstairs. You can imagine our disappointment when we saw what they gerry-rigged with what appeared to be tablecloths, although they did work for the most part. They did have numerous ceiling TV screens all around on both floors and the downstairs outside area with large screen was actually quite nice according to those who sat there.

Now, as for comparison with Rawlings in San Mateo -- sorry, but Rawlings was not an option for us this year. They went out of business; kaput. There is NO other restaurant, bar or anything in that location anymore otherwise we would have returned to that venue. The difficulty is trying to find a large enough venue that can hold up to 1000 people (as we have had as many as 850) on a Friday night, that will give us the entire venue for a private party (at no charge), cater Aussie meat pies, sausage rolls, wine and beer (other than Fosters!) is nearly impossible. We found Kellys as the only venue available to us and the manager there wanted to bend over backward to please us. Believe me, she was truly upset at the turn of events and aged 20 yrs in one night with the distress. Ultimately, they figured out that their existing house sound system frm the roof would have sufficed rather than the extra speakers and system that they hired just for our event. As for the meat pies and sausage rolls, they were purchased by Kellys from the same provider as was sent to Rawlings the past 3 yrs -- Australia Products Co. in Santa Clara. I didn't have a pie but my sausage rolls, chips and Caesar salad was really good. Maybe they didn't cook yr pie long enough. I do apologize for that and will let the manager know.

... the Sporting Events Committee will review and critique the AFL Grand Finals evening and pay heed to the honest criticism you've expressed in considering venues for next year. You may not believe this but there were also alot of favorable comments about the venue itself! (yes, but the sound problems we all agree upon). Some people were glad we were back in the City as the Peninsula was too far for them. Others liked the outside decks and patios. We truly regret you didn't enjoy the Footy party when we tried so hard to bring a fun event and a piece of home to the local Aussie ex-pat community here. Yes, the venue failed us with the sound problems. Rest assured, we (and Kellys) learned frm their mistakes this year and we'll definately improve it next year or not do it at all. Who knows, maybe another restaurant/sports bar will take over the old Rawlings spot and we CAN return there! Let's hope so.

In the meantime, we welcome any alternative venue suggestions you can come up with ... Thanks for your feedback.

Brgds,

Robin Morales, Executive Director
Australian-American Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 210508
San Francisco, CA 94121
ph: 415-345-1763, fax: 415-345-1766
website: www.sfaussies.com
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As for AFANA, we will continue to monitor the situation now and in the future as we don't wish to send people to locations that aren't adequate.

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman

AFANA Blog