Fans back struggling I-League clubs with 40 percent rise in average attendance

“According to data received so far, average attendance at grounds this season has gone up by 40 per cent per match,” I-League CEO Sunando Dhar was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

In the 2014-15 season, the average attendance across I-League grounds was 6,000, and that number has risen to 8,500 for the current season. The I-League clubs, who are fighting for their survival, have come together and raised a budget of 2 crores for marketing of matches in regional languages across television channels and radio stations, and it appears their efforts are bearing fruit.

“Nine clubs gave Rs 10 lakh each and AIFF Rs 1.1 crore. This kitty is used for advertising matches on local TV channels or radio stations. A few days before matches, we’re running announcements.

“It’s happening in regional languages in Kolkata, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune. We would like to believe the increase in turnout has something to do with efforts like this.

“Advertising on national channels is expensive. Plus, our target audience is at the local level rather than national level. We’ve been flexible too and opted for radio in Goa, which is more popular than TV over there,” Dhar added.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan, who are also leading the points table currently, have seen the highest average attendance so far – 24,000 – while Bengaluru FC are the second highest with an average attendance of 11,500. High demand for tickets have also seen a rise in the ticket prices across the nation.