MLS Sets New Record, But What’s Behind This Surge in Attendance?
[Image: Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. © AFP]
You can’t deny the significant impact international stars like Lionel Messi have had on the MLS. The league is celebrating a new record for attendance, with over 11 million fans packing into stadiums this season. For the first time in its history, the average attendance per game has exceeded 23,240, demonstrating the growing popularity of Major League Soccer.
According to the league, this feat is attributed to the work of clubs in creating fan-friendly ticket packages and gameday experiences, making it a win-win situation for both the fans and the teams. Moreover, the presence of superstars like Messi has been instrumental in boosting attendance numbers, with some teams opting for bigger stadiums to accommodate larger crowds.
This isn’t the first time the league has seen a significant attendance surge. In fact, this marks the third consecutive year that MLS has witnessed over 10 million fans attending matches. And guess what? The regular season is still ongoing, with 16 more matches remaining before the season concludes on October 19.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s driving this remarkable surge in attendance:
- International stars: Talent like Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Agüero is now a regular feature in MLS, drawing in massive crowds.
- Fancentric ticket packages: Clubs are offering more diverse and appealing ticket options to cater to fans’ requests.
- Better gameday experiences: Teams are investing in upgrades to improve the overall stadium experience, making it an event to remember for each fan.
As we revel in this record-breaking season, it’s crucial we acknowledge the efforts of those behind the scenes, particularly the clubs and players themselves. They’ve played an integral role in elevating the profile of the MLS, and it’s excellent to see their hard work paying off.
So, what does this mean for the future of the MLS? As the league looks to continue growing and refining its product, fans have every reason to be optimistic. The influx of superstars and innovative approaches are setting the stage for continued success, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!
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