Barely 48 hours after Gold Coast United captain Jason Culina questioned the genuine passion for football in the area, the Coast v Coast clash crowd figure could answer that question.

The news was greeted positively by fans on the Gold Coast United Supporters Club website and is seen as a significant chance to make a statement.

"This is our last chance to prove to Clive and the entire A-League that the Gold Coast is worthy of having an A-League team," said the supports club.

United's crowds have been woeful this season, despite impressive efforts on the field of play. Skipper Culina voiced his fears and dismay over the situation this week.

''It's bad. I don't think I've said that before but the situation is getting even worse,'' Culina told goldcoast.com.au. ''It's something I don't understand because we are doing so well on the field.

''Maybe there just isn't the passion for the game on the Gold Coast."

The club says the free tickets promotion is to test the number of fans in the community and as a mark of respect to FFA chairman Frank Lowy and his attempt to bring the World Cup to Australia in 2022.

“We want to extend our thanks to the Chairman of FFA, Frank Lowy, and his team, for what they tried to achieve for football and for Australia, in attempting to bring the World Cup to Australian shores,” owner Clive Palmer said.

“In recognition of Frank Lowy, the game will be dedicated to them as a thank you from our club for the excellent job they did, and how hard Frank worked to begin a new era for the game in this country.

“There will be no admission charges whatsoever for this game – it’s absolutely free for everybody."

He added: “I felt it was important to do something positive to highlight exactly what Frank Lowy has contributed to not only the bid to bring the World Cup here, but to football as a whole.

“A lot of Australia’s heroes are those who bounce back after being defeated at their first attempt and Frank Lowy is one of those who will bounce back.”