Heading into tomorrow's clash with Gold Coast at WIN Entertainment Centre, the Hawks averaged 2500 spectators in four home games.

"It's disappointing, particularly given the fact we've won our last two home games and the numbers are actually reducing," club chairman Richard Clifford said.

"It's something we're trying to address as a club. It's a good team and it'd be great to see more people in the stands."

The Hawks aren't the only NSW-based club struggling to build a strong fan base.

The Sydney Spirit - Wollongong's opponents on Sunday -are drawing crowds below 1500 to games at Homebush and attracted only 1000 fans to last week's match against the South Dragons at Sydney Entertainment Centre.

"I certainly sympathise with the Spirit," Clifford said. "They're trying to pick up the slack from the Kings' demise and it might pick up a bit for them when (injured guard and former Kings captain) Jason Smith starts playing.

"The Hawks need that rivalry to keep going with the Spirit because the Kings aren't there anymore, and the Kings were traditionally our biggest drawcard."

Despite last season's community campaign to save the Hawks from financial ruin, the club has been unable to attract new followers. That could change if the team climbs into the top six.

More importantly, Clifford said the Hawks had to continue to raise their profile and win over the region's youth.

"We're very much promoting the players into the school system through our Arrive Alive and McDonald's programs, and we're trying to intensify that and generate more interest and support for the team," he said.

"We're making special ticket offers and package deals, we're targeting uni students and social clubs to try and get groups of 50 to 100 people to come along. We're thinking of offering a ticket with two free beers and a hot dog. It's important that we keep working on ideas that will appeal to people."

The Hawks are offering half-priced tickets to season members for tomorrow's game and are expecting the presence of former Wollongong coach Brendan Joyce to boost attendance. Also lining up for Gold Coast are Joyce's son, Daniel, a former Hawks guard, and former Illawarra junior Tyson Demos.