The San Antonio Brahmas celebrate with fans after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the DC Defenders at Alamodome on March 31, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/UFL/Getty Images)
It may be because it was Easter weekend, or it may be due to the fact the league only started marketing itself in January, but the UFL’s week 1 attendance numbers were rather mediocre.
UFL 2024 Week 1 Attendance Numbers
Week
Date
Time
Visitor
Home
Stadium
Attendance
1
Sat 30-Mar-24
1:00 PM ET
BIR
ARL
Choctaw Stadium
14,153
1
Sat 30-Mar-24
4:00 PM ET
STL
MI
Ford Field
9,444
1
Sun 31-Mar-24
12:00 PM ET
D.C.
SAN
Alamodome
13,164
1
Sun 31-Mar-24
3:00 PM ET
MEM
HOU
Audi Field
9,157
In week 1 the total UFL attendance was 45,918, or an average of 11,479 per game.
In comparison, a year ago, XFL week 1 had a total of 61,514 in attendance, for an average of 15,379.
It is important to note that the league’s television and streaming numbers will provide a more accurate measure of its success. Also, UFL owners and executives continue to say this league is here for the long term, and they are here to build the league. That task clearly includes building up game-day attendance numbers.
Some UFL markets do not have attendance issues, such as St. Louis, where it is expected fans will again pack “The Dome” this season, and Washington, D.C., where the Defenders have no difficulty putting fans into Audi Field.
A boisterous crowd of 13,164 attended Sunday’s San Antonio Brahmas game in the Alamodome, but they have had more in the past, as in the throng of 24,245 who attended the first XFL game in 2023. However, even in 2023, San Antonio attendance dropped throughout the season, possibly due to the fact they were on a losing campaign.
This year in the UFL, the San Antonio Brahmas opened up their season with an impressive win over the vaunted D.C. Defenders. Perhaps the fans will respond and purchase tickets for their next game.
Playing on Easter probably affected attendance. But TV and streaming revenue aside, having a credible fan base and fans in the stands is necessary for the league to succeed. People won’t watch TV long if teams playing in quiet, empty stadiums.
Besides it being Easter Weekend ya’ll are forgetting there was a Spurs game the same day. Established fan base on top of 3 win streak people going hoping to see a 4th.
The games were exciting. That’s what is needed to increase viewership and game ticket sales. A West Coast team or two would be a bonus. It’s the product man, the same as the good and medicore NFL teams.
It’s Easter Sunday – Own it. Not a problem.
Focus on TV – and next week.
Playing on Easter probably affected attendance. But TV and streaming revenue aside, having a credible fan base and fans in the stands is necessary for the league to succeed. People won’t watch TV long if teams playing in quiet, empty stadiums.
Besides it being Easter Weekend ya’ll are forgetting there was a Spurs game the same day. Established fan base on top of 3 win streak people going hoping to see a 4th.
The games were exciting. That’s what is needed to increase viewership and game ticket sales. A West Coast team or two would be a bonus. It’s the product man, the same as the good and medicore NFL teams.