Away attendances are on the rise across the EFL, with the average away following across all 72 EFL Clubs increasing for a fourth consecutive year during the 2016/17 season. The noted increase follows a comprehensive analysis of the submitted gate receipts across all 1,656 matches of an EFL season, and shows that on average over 1,500 supporters travelled to each Sky Bet Championship away game in 2016/17, helping to boost the overall EFL average to almost 1,000; an increase of 6% when compared to 2015/16.

The growing interest in following teams around the country comes with the EFL also seeing overall attendance increases, as highlighted in the latest UEFA European Club Footballing Landscape Report. The Sky Bet Championship moved up a place to become the third best attended division in Europe, with Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A just some of the high profile leagues posting lower figures. Over 18 million people made their way through EFL turnstiles during the 2016/17 season with Clubs recording their highest cumulative attendances since 1959.

EFL Clubs have seen an impressive 11 per cent increase in matchday attendances from last season with the largest crowds in almost 60 years attending games across the Sky Bet EFL.  A key factor in the increase were the record breaking attendances during the 2016 festive period with the EFL boasting a combined attendance of more than 500,000 for matches during this time.

A key factor behind the attendance increase was the rise in away days across all three Sky Bet EFL divisions. Fulham’s Craven Cottage welcomed over 2,600 travelling fans on average each game, with Milton Keynes Dons and Notts County also a popular away day location for supporters in League One and League Two. Over 20,000 spectators were in attendance per Championship fixture on average, an impressive rise of more than 14% compared to the previous campaign, whilst Sky Bet League One also registered its highest average attendance since 2009/10.

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “The rise in attendances would only be possible if Clubs continued to offer excellent value for money and a matchday experience that appeals to all, whether a home fan or following their team away. We can see from the detailed reports that attendances are growing across the board, helping to boost the EFL’s standing against our European counterparts.

"It is testament to the unique appeal of all 72 EFL Clubs, and the important role they play in communities nationwide, that the strength in depth of the football pyramid continues to prosper. It is also very satisfying to see that the number of away fans attending EFL matches is continuing to increase and I am confident EFL Clubs are developing welcoming and positive environments for all football supporters in this country.”

The impressive numbers year on year are no surprise, particularly in the away ends across the EFL. Clubs are increasingly focused on ensuring away supporters’ needs are considered, and this has been evidenced by feedback from the first two seasons of the EFL’s Away Fan Experience Project, which supports Clubs to develop a tailored and welcoming matchday environments for visiting fans. The use of mixed fanzones has become an increasingly popular way of ensuring a good welcome, and while there is still progress to be made, more than ever Clubs are focusing on providing useful information and guidance for travelling fans.

SUMMARY STATISTICS:

Attendances (tickets sold)

Season Ticket Holders

Away Fans

Full details available here: https://www.efl.com/news/2018/february/efl-attendance-analysis-season-201617/