Sale Sharks' Struggle to Fill Manchester's CorpAcq Stadium Exposes Rugby's Attendance Problems

As the English Premiership (Gallagher Prem) continues to showcase exciting rugby matches, the attendance numbers paint a concerning picture. Sale Sharks, one of the strongest teams in the league, faced meager crowds at the CorpAcq Stadium, which holds a mere 12,000 spectators. Despite their on-field quality, Sale averaged gates of 6,619 in 2022-23 and 7,589 last season, comparable to a second-tier French club. The contrast is stark, as top 14 clubs in France average 15,500, while Pro D2 teams see 5,388 spectators. The trend is not unique to Sale; other Premiership clubs like Bath, Bristol, Northampton, Gloucester, Exeter, Harlequins, and Leicester struggle to attract fans, despite their on-field success.

Key Takeaways:

• The CorpAcq Stadium, home to Sale Sharks, has a capacity of 12,000, but the team has been averaging attendances of 6,619 in 2022-23 and 7,589 last season.
• Top 14 clubs in France average 15,500 spectators, while Pro D2 teams see 5,388 spectators, highlighting the stark contrast in attendance numbers.
• Sale's average attendance is comparable to a second-tier French club, raising concerns about the Premiership's ability to attract fans to its matches.
• The Premiership's biggest clubs, Manchester United and City, average 73,815 and 53,249 spectators, respectively, making it challenging for Sale to compete for attention.
• The South and Midlands have a stronger rugby union presence, with clubs like Bath, Bristol, and Northampton struggling to attract fans.
• Rugby League's presence in the North of England might be a significant factor in the struggling attendance numbers.
• Sale Owner Simon Orange is passionate and committed, but the stadium and attendance issues have a significant impact on the team's financial situation.
• The Premiership's priority on developing young players and markets assumes a focus on the North, but Sale's attendance numbers suggest that this area is struggling.
• Newcastle, with its loyal 5,809 average supporters, might offer more optimism than Sale, which has a more successful team but a lower average attendance.

Statistics:

• Sale Sharks average attendance: 6,619 (2022-23) and 7,589 (last season)
• Top 14 French clubs average attendance: 15,500
• Pro D2 French clubs average attendance: 5,388
• Manchester United's average attendance: 73,815
• Manchester City's average attendance: 53,249
• Newcastle's average attendance: 5,809

Sources:

• The article cites no specific sources but is written based on information from the text.