Falcons home attendances rise by 18.3%
The six year high Kingston Park crowd of 9,192 at the weekend versus Saracens has pushed this season’s average up to 6,073 compared to 5,135 for the 2013-14 campaign. It is also the first time since the 2009-10 season that the average attendance has been more than 6,000.
Speaking about the rise Managing Director Mick Hogan said: “It is very encouraging that more people are attending Kingston Park and enjoying Premiership Rugby. Attracting more supporters starts with on-field performance and I don’t think anyone could argue that we have been far more competitive this season and have been involved in some highly entertaining games.
“The new pitch has played its part in the improved performances but the main credit must go to the coaching staff and the players for the manner and style in which they are playing. We aren’t happy with still being 11th in the table but we are confident that our performances will continue to improve and we will soon be moving upwards.”
Hogan continued: “Off the field we’ve been working harder than ever in the community and that work is really bearing fruit now. The Community Foundation, supported by the players, does a great job, and it’s noticeable that the number of groups from schools and rugby clubs attending games has dramatically increased. Again the pitch has played its part here with curtain-raisers, festivals and coaching clinics happening prior to every game.
“I’d also like to commend our Marketing and Media team who have really increased the quality and quantity of communications this season. The numbers visiting the website have dramatically increased and our social media is reaching more people every week. Supporters seem to be responding well to this and are interacting more than ever with the club.
“The corporate hospitality numbers are also rising. On Saturday we had over 850 guests dining, our biggest numbers for several seasons. More and more businesses are seeing value in the various partnerships on offer with the Falcons and in turn they are adding to the increased numbers here at Kingston Park.
“Finally we are continually striving to make the match-day experience the best it can be. We know we have improvements still to make here but the food and beverage offering is better, there are more options on transport and our new stewarding company are better established.
“Whilst the average of over 6,000 is encouraging it is still some way short of where it can be and where we think we can get it to in future seasons. However with big games versus Wasps, Leicester, Bath and Harlequins still to come we are confident we can get it higher still this season.”
Newcastle Falcons’ next home game will see them take on London Welsh live at Kingston Park on Sunday 11th January (ko 2pm). Tickets for that game are available to purchase now starting from just £15 for adults and £7.50 for juniors. Tickets can be purchased [online][1], in person from the Falcons’ East Stand Ticket Office or by calling the club’s 24 hour Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060.
[1]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Pages/Tickets/info
