Attendances across the EFL have reached their highest levels in 60 years as over 18.3 million people made their way to League fixtures during the 2018/19 season, the highest figure since 1959.
The record number is further indication of the growing appeal of the EFL, as cumulative attendances across the Championship, League One and League Two broke the 18 million barrier for a third consecutive year, with the average gate across all three divisions at over 11,000.
In addition, collective totals incorporating figures for the Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy, alongside the three Leagues, welcomed almost 20 million spectators.
Other key points for 2018/19 include:
- The 2018/19 record high represents a 1.5% increase on the same figures published for the 2017/18 campaign.
- Total attendance figures when comparing the 67 Clubs that competed in the EFL both this season and last increased by 1.6%.
- Sunderland’s Boxing Day crowd of 46,039 set a new League One record against Bradford City.
- A record 85,021 watched Portsmouth’s EFL Trophy triumph against Sunderland, whilst the average attendance increased by 32% compared to 2017/18.
The latest figures emphasise the growing appetite to watch live football up and down the country in person and online, with increased options being made available to supporters at home and abroad via the EFL’s digital streaming platform iFollow, and Sky Sports.
EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “It is a significant achievement by all 72 EFL Clubs to continue the trend of increasing attendances across the EFL and achieve a 60-year high.
"It is clear from this analysis that EFL Clubs are finding new, innovative ways to attract new supporters while also improving the matchday experience for those fans who regularly attend week in, week out.
"The rise in matchday attendance is set against a backdrop of increasing viewing options for all football fans. iFollow is providing an alternative option for those supporters who can’t attend games, but the product EFL Clubs have been turning out on the pitch has brought supporters back through the turnstiles.”