EFL GLEE AS GATES MARCH UPWARD AGAIN...
DELIGHTED EFL chiefs have hailed the fact that attendances across their competitions have been on the rise so far this season.
The number of fans across all five EFL competitions has grown this season, with cumulative attendances up 2.54 per cent, topping the seven million mark by the end of October – up from 6.82million at the same stage last year.
That number has grown steadily in recent years, rising annually from 5.8million in 2014/15.
The cumulative totals, for the end of October 2017, show that attendances are up 2 per cent in the Sky Bet EFL, while numbers in the Checkatrade Trophy have increased by 10 per cent and 3.8 per cent in the Carabao Cup.
The increase follows a landmark season for attendances in the Sky Bet EFL in 2016/17, with more than 18.2 million people going to matches in either the Championship, League One or Two as clubs recorded their highest cumulative attendances since 1959.
In addition, the number of junior supporters watching their team live in action is growing, as figures show that junior season ticket sales have increased by 37 per cent over the past ten years.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “Football does not exist in a bubble, but it is clear that EFL clubs are doing all that they can to ensure it remains accessible to supporters young and old, in a tough economic climate.
“Ticket revenues continue to underpin the finances of EFL clubs and it is therefore correct that ticket pricing is a matter for individual clubs.
“However, the rise in attendances would only be possible if our clubs offered excellent value for money and it is clear they are reaping the benefits of developing and maintaining ticket pricing structures that reward the loyalty and dedication of supporters in growing numbers.”