A – League matches are not filling stadiums and for a while now and crowd attendances have continually remained poor.
Recent seasons in the A-League have seen a consistent issue with low attendance. Data from austadiums.com shows that in the 2023/2024 season, the highest attendance was 28,152, while the lowest plummeted to just 2,043. The average attendance stands at a mere 8,347.
Comparatively, the 2022/2023 season also experienced poor attendance, with an average of 7,982 spectators, a peak of 34,232, and similarly lackluster numbers, according to austadiums.com.
Paul Lamore, former president of the Bankstown Football Referees, believes that cultural perceptions play a significant role. He suggests that Australians with backgrounds in NRL, Rugby Union, and AFL are often deterred by football’s reputation for less physical gameplay. “The perception of football being slower and less physical turns potential spectators away, especially when compared to the EPL,” Lamore explains.
Despite this trend, not all A-League games have seen poor attendance. The 2018 A-League grand final between Sydney FC and Perth Glory at Optus Stadium attracted an impressive 56,371 fans. However, grand final attendances have generally declined since then.
Lamore criticizes the practice of playing football on oval grounds, such as Optus Stadium and the MCG, believing it diminishes interest in the sport. “Rectangular sports should never be played on oval grounds. It’s a poor experience for spectators, especially first-timers,” he asserts.
To boost attendance, Lamore suggests the A-League could encourage a more attacking style of play. “If the league and its clubs could promote a more dynamic and offensive style, it could sustain interest and spark more conversations about the sport,” he says.
The A-League, established in 2004, replaced the National Soccer League, which was deeply rooted in multicultural communities. According to Lamore, the transition led to a significant anglicization of the sport, sidelining ethnic clubs that were vital to its growth in Australia. “Many fans from these communities have stopped attending A-League matches, feeling alienated by the league’s current direction,” Lamore comments.
In conclusion, the A-League faces several challenges in attracting and retaining spectators. Cultural perceptions, venue choices, and a shift away from its multicultural roots are key factors influencing current attendance trends.
Image Credit: A-League match at Accor Stadium, previously called ANZ stadium. Photo: Simon_sees/CC/flickr.com
