Champions League crowds keep on rising
Friday, March 21, 2003
Article summary
UEFA Champions League first and second group stages attendances have risen by nearly 900,000.
Article body
The number of spectators attending matches in this season's UEFA Champions League first and second group stages rose by nearly 900,000 compared with the 2001/02 campaign.
More than 5.5m fans
Figures released today showed that a total of 5,581,229 fans attended games in the opening two stages of European club football's most prestigious competition - an increase of 873,252 spectators on the match attendances for the first two stages in 2001/02, which totalled 4,707,977. This season's average attendance in the first and second group stage was 38,759, compared with 32,694 last season.
Champions League entertainment
The increase in attendance figures for the 32-team first group stage reflects the entertainment which has been on offer so far this season. The cream of the world's football talent has been involved in various enthralling matches and thrilling battles for group supremacy since September, with high-profile matches such as Real Madrid CF versus AC Milan and Manchester United FC against Juventus FC undoubtedly boosting attendances.
Sell-out crowds
Sell-out, or virtual sell-out, crowds for matches involving less heralded sides such as FC Basel have also played a major part in the continuing growth of Champions League attendances.
