With the World Cup having ended last summer, Major League Soccer is hoping that it can capitalize on the giant surge in soccer interest in this country generated by the month-long event. Post-World Cup, MLS has seen increases in average attendance from 2009, as well as some dramatic increases in attendance post-World Cup for some franchises. Teams are hoping to leverage high interest in the sport into stronger loyalty for their local teams and higher attendance overall.
According to MLSDaily, this year, 75% of MLS teams were experiencing an increase in average attendance from 2009. These increases have been ranging from an almost 17% increase in average attendance for the Chicago Fire to an astounding 42.97% increase for the New York Red Bulls. While the World Cup is certainly a huge contributor to this recent surge, it’s safe to say that MLS has been building a successful product in North America for years and the league should be given credit for its ability to build strong soccer communities in various cities across the country.
Furthermore, MLS attendance is stacking up well in comparison to other soccer leagues across the globe, and even to other major sports leagues in the States.MLS’ average attendance ranks it third in North America, behind only the NFL and MLB.
The league has done a great job of marketing soccer by funding the construction of soccer stadiums throughout the States, and by signing high profile European stars such as Thierry Henry and David Beckham to play for its clubs, as well as by cashing in on the ever-popular US soccer star Landon Donovan. The league has also made a smart move by moving into a huge and previously untapped soccer market in Vancouver, whose Whitecaps are now only the second Canadian team in the MLS. The Whitecaps sold out their first 3 games and already bring a rabid following of fans who cheered for the team when it played in the NASL. The MLS can also market the already burgeoning rivalry between Toronto FC and the Whitecaps to attract an even larger Canadian following.