The 2023/24 A-League Women’s season kicked off with a resounding bang, setting records that showcased the growing popularity and enthusiasm for women’s soccer in Australia. The opening weekend of the season witnessed remarkable attendance figures that left fans, players, and officials alike beaming with pride.
Record Attendance at Central Coast Mariners vs. Newcastle Jets
The inaugural match of the season featured a showdown between the Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets, and it was a game to remember. A total of 5,735 fans flocked to the stadium to witness the action unfold, making it a regular season record. This remarkable turnout demonstrated the passion and loyalty of the fans, who were eager to support their favorite teams and players.
However, the record-breaking spree was far from over. The same day saw the Sydney derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, which turned out to be a historic event in itself. An astonishing 11,471 spectators filled the stands to watch the fierce rivalry play out on the pitch. This staggering attendance figure not only set a new record for the season but also marked a significant milestone in the history of the A-League Women.
What made these achievements even more exceptional was that they contributed to a new overall record for the league. The combined attendance for the first two games of the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season reached an impressive 15,995, smashing the previous record for any round in the top flight’s history, a record that had stood for nine years. This extraordinary feat underscored the incredible growth and development of women’s soccer in Australia.
Historic Turnout in the Sydney Derby: Sydney FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers
The Sydney derby, in particular, drew attention as it became a new benchmark for domestic women’s soccer in Australia. With 11,471 fans in attendance, it surpassed the previous record of 9,519 set during Sydney FC’s triumph over Western United in last season’s grand final at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. This marked another momentous achievement, emphasizing the ever-increasing popularity of the women’s game in the country.
These remarkable attendance records didn’t happen in isolation. They were the result of a concerted effort to build on the momentum generated by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Australia co-hosted alongside New Zealand. During the World Cup, the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s team, reached new heights in terms of stadium sellouts and viewership. The success of the Matildas during the tournament had clearly ignited a passion for women’s soccer, and the A-League Women harnessed this energy.
To capitalize on this newfound interest and to ensure that the league remained accessible to all, the A-League Women introduced a free ticket scheme for children. This initiative aimed to make the sport more family-friendly and encourage the next generation of fans to support women’s soccer. Furthermore, the league benefited from the return of several big-name players to the clubs, adding star power and excitement to the competition.
One strategic move that significantly contributed to the record-breaking attendance figures was the decision to have games on the opening weekend in major stadiums. This allowed the league to create new experiences for fans and connect with a broader audience. The success of this strategy was evident in the record-breaking attendance numbers on the very first day of the season.
Setting New Benchmarks: A-League Women’s Growing Popularity
Nick Garcia, the A-League’s commissioner, expressed his excitement about the league’s remarkable growth. He stated, “Our plan for the FIFA Women’s World Cup started more than two years ago, and today, we have three new women’s teams in the league, a full home-and-away season of 22 rounds, and an unprecedented 198 percent growth in memberships across the league. Playing the opening round in mostly major stadia was part of a strategy to create new experiences and connect with more fans, and we are delighted to see the round record broken on day one, in just two matches.”
With this incredible start to the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season, fans and players can look forward to an exciting and historic campaign. The league has set the bar high, and as the season continues, the hope is that these attendance records are just the beginning of a new era for women’s soccer in Australia. The stage is set, and there’s no doubt that the A-League Women will continue to flourish, attracting more fans and showcasing the immense talent of women in the sport. The future of women’s soccer in Australia has never looked brighter.
Originally posted 2023-10-17 18:19:08.
