The Sky Bet Championship became the third most attended league in Europe last season.

Figures released by the EFL showed that over 18 million people made their way through turnstiles during the 2016/17 season with clubs recording their highest cumulative attendances since 1959. Clubs across the three divisions have seen an 11% increase in match day attendances from last season with the largest crowds in almost 60 years attending games across the Sky Bet EFL. The stats highlight that over 1.7million more fans attended matches across the EFL compared to the 2015/16 season. Eleven clubs averaged over 20,000 attendees per match, doubling the number from the previous campaign.

Video element not supported Leeds Fans Singing Marching On Together vs Newcastle in 2016

Alongside that, over 20,000 fans were in attendance per Sky Bet Championship fixture on average, a rise of more than 14% compared to the previous season. Sky Bet League One also registered its highest average attendance since 2009/10. Twenty-one clubs achieved at least one match attendance higher than 20,000 in 2016/17. Seven clubs, (Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United) achieved match attendances over 30,000. Discussing the rise, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said “The rise in attendances would only be possible if Clubs continued to offer excellent value for money and a match day experience that appeals to all, whether a home fan or following their team away.

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