League of Ireland soccer crowds jumped significantly this year across all divisions with overall attendance in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division rising by 29%.
A report from the FAI showed major increases across the Premier Division, First Division and Women’s Premier Division as crowds grew significantly.
In the Premier Division 486,365 people attended games in in 2022 compared to 375,705 in 2019, which was the last season unaffected by Covid-19 restrictions.
In official figures compiled by the League of Ireland, Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers welcomed the largest average crowds as increased capacity at Tallaght Stadium saw a rise in average attendances of 37% from 3,384 in 2019 to 5,379 in 2022.
The largest crowd of the season was at a sold out Tallaght Stadium, as Shamrock Rovers hosted Derry City, with 7,726 people in attendance to see the Hoops lift the title.
Crowds in the First Division rose by by 135%, compared to 2019, with an extra 102,205 attendees. Cork City were the big draw and they saw crowds jump by 29% from 2,505 to 3,517 in the season which saw them promoted to the top flight.
The Women’s Premier Division also jumped as 23,907 people at games in 2022 as the women’s game continues to grow, with 885 fans on average at games each week.
Commenting on the rise in attendances, League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: "It has been brilliant to see the rise in attendances right across the League of Ireland in almost all clubs for both men’s and women’s leagues.
"With some clubs experiencing modest increases due to capacity restrictions, the figures also tell us a further need for increased investment in League of Ireland grounds as popularity booms to record levels.
"Although we are often pleased to see sold out signs go up, we know the serious potential we have for attracting new fans to the league and these figures further back that up.
"We must give immense credit to the cubs too who are going from strength to strength in engaging with their communities and bringing in bigger fanbases. We look forward to an even better 2023."
