Super League sets new attendance record
A new record attendance for a single round has been set in the first round of games over the Easter Weekend.
A total of 79,173 fans attended the six Round 11 Super League matches played over Thursday and Good Friday.
The previous record was set in Round 25 of the 2007 season, when 78,917 fans turned out.
Super League chief executive, Robert Elstone, said: “I should start by thanking the fans who turned out in record breaking numbers.
“Easter is traditionally one of the biggest weekends in the Super League calendar but to break the attendance record underlines the scale and loyalty of our fan base, and the support we have from Clubs and supporters on the changes brought into Super League this season.”
The biggest crowd was at Wigan, where 22,050 saw their defeat to St Helens.
There was a crowd of more than 20,000 at Hull, who thumped derby rivals Hull KR, while both Leeds (13,743) and Warrington (11,867) managed healthy five figure crowds.
Castleford’s televised derby with Wakefield on Thursday night had a crowd of 9,316 to kick-off the weekend in style.
If you take away London’s game against Catalans, which attracted 2,153 supporters on Thursday night, the average crowd for the remaining five games was 15,404.
Super League resumes on Easter Monday with leaders St. Helens taking on Hull and second place Warrington travel to Humberside to play Hull KR.
At the other end of the table, Leeds will look to get back to back Easter wins with a victory at Wakefield whilst London Broncos will look to bounce back to as they travel to the John Smith’s Stadium to play Huddersfield.
Attendances for the games on Thursday and Good Friday:
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – 9,316
London Broncos v Catalans Dragons – 2,153
Hull FC v Hull KR – 20,044
Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants – 13,743
Warrington Wolves v Salford Red Devils – 11,867
Wigan Warriors v St Helens – 22,050