Surge in attendances at League of Ireland fixtures ahead of mid-season break

ATTENDANCES for fixtures in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division have risen 23.2% this season compared to last year as the 2023 season hits the summer break. 

After the same number of games last season, 283,941 people had attended games in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division while some 349,867 have come through the gates so far this term - an increase of 65,929. 

Last year’s average at the same point last year in the top flight was 2,784 (per game) with an increase this season to 3,430 in the opening half of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season. 

Shamrock Rovers have recorded the highest home attendance average thus far with an average of 6,028 in 2023 – an increase of 5% from 5,725 while Drogheda United saw the highest increase in fans as they saw a rise of 39% in crowds from 1,364 to 1,896. 

In the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, the average of crowds are up 8% despite Cork City being promoted to the top flight as attendances have risen 42% at Waterford, 135% at Athlone Town and 77% at Wexford. 

So far this season, 109,977 people have attended SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division games (95) with 101,688 attending the first 96 games last season - increase of 8,289. 

Meanwhile, the average attendances in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division have risen 80% as 10,354 more people attended games this season. 

The attendance record in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division has been broken three times this year with Shamrock Rovers v Peamount United last weekend welcoming 1,464 supporters at Tallaght Stadium. 

Commenting on the figures, League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the rise in crowds once more at the half way point this season. We traditionally see a rise in crowds at the start of the season but to see the rise in attendances being maintained shows the rise in popularity of the League of Ireland. Though we are pleased to see crowds continuously rise across all three Divisions, it also highlights the need for investment in our stadia to help progress the League of Ireland and welcome even more fans into grounds for both the men’s and women’s Divisions as outlined in the new FAI Facilities Investment Strategy.” 

The next round of fixtures in the league takes place on Friday, June 23.