Corresponding fixtures in 2012, compared to 2011, when the games were playe in Mid/late summer,
Salford v Castleford UP 46%
London v Saints UP 39%
Leeds v HKA UP 13%
Wigan v Hudds DOWN 13%
Bradford v Catalans DOWN 17%
Hull FC v Wire DOWN 25%
Using 2004 for comparisson,
Widnes v Wakefield UP 60%
Great start to the season attendance wise, and the news that Leeds, Bradford, Saints and Wigan have all cracked 10k ST's is another pointer to the clubs understanding that whilst the SKY TV money is nice, it's revenue from Fans attending and buying merchandise that can ensure that they are sustainable as businesses in their own right.
This weekend, St Helens will have their biggest home gate in the ESL era, Wigan should see a big turn-out for the visit of the champs, Wakey fans should be out in force given they expected to be playing in the NRC this season
, Castleford could get 8k, Catalans will depend on the weather, but I reckon Widnes will turn out in force at Huddersfield.....
Crowds are on the up, and long may it continue.