Awhile back, someone commented on this blog touting the success of the MLS.
The claim: Major League Soccer is growing.
Well, yes, from a smaller base attendance number than other sports.
- The total attendance numbers and capacity: Only one team exceeds the 93% mark. (I'm still digging into how much of that attendance is tied to the Beckham-effect? I was in Chicago and Detroit during his Airness' reign and the mere suggestion of his presence put butts in seats.
I'm not demeaning soccer. My point was it just isn't America's game.
- NFL total attendance numbers, regular season last year: Yikes! Some teams exceeded 100 percent. The Oakland Raiders ranked the lowest, according to the link post, at just 93% capacity.
This does not even include a look at NFL vs. MLS merchandise sales and TV ratings. All of those must be considered in determining what professional sports success looks like in this country.
- Although Opera is making a case: 20 million admissions, nearly equal to the NFL. (Read the thread in the link to get the bloody details about busing school kids to help fill those operatic seats.)
But here's the most complete rundown of attendance, sport-by-sport, leagues, playoffs, etc. worldwide.
