League of Ireland attendances up 20% in 2023

League of Ireland attendances have increased by 20% since last year, while almost a combined one million people attended domestic competitions during the year.

A total of 935,415 attended fixtures in the SSE Airtricity Men's and Women's Premier Division, Men's First Division games, men's and women's FAI Cups, President's Cups and the inaugural Avenir Sports All-Island Cup during 2023.

The Men's Premier Division saw an increase of 22.4%, with eight clubs recording a rise in average attendance, most notably Bohemians (32%), Drogheda United (31%) and St. Patrick's Athletic (21%).

Only Dundalk (-2%) and relegated UCD (-16%) saw a decrease in the top flight.

The men's Sports Direct FAI Cup final also drew a record attendance almost two weeks ago, with 43,881 spectators at the Aviva Stadium for St Pat's 3-1 victory over Bohs.

Athlone Town, who reached the play-offs, enjoyed the largest average increase in the First Division, going up by 184%.

Attendances in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division have gone up from 23,907 to 33,840 since last year, with average crowd sizes having increased by 57%. Champions Peamount United experienced a 182% rise in their average attendance since last year.

Four fixtures in the women's league drew attendances of more than 1,000 for the first time in the competition's history.

"After a brilliant season in the League of Ireland this year, we were delighted to see crowds rise again compared to the previous year," League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said.

"Though we are pleased to see the demand continue to rise, it once more highlights the need we have for improved infrastructure and stadia across the League of Ireland in order for clubs to continue to cater for demand.

"With the highest attendances