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Industry News

Leicester Tigers notch record ticket sales

English Premiership rugby club Leicester Tigers attracted record ticket sales during the financial year, with more than 320,000 shifted for fixtures at its Welford Road home ground.

The club’s average attendance reached close to 21,500 for each game, with around 14,500 season ticket holders accounting for £3.7m ($4.8m/€4.2m) in revenue during the year to June 30, 2017.

In total, Leicester turned over £19.7m for the 2016-17 season, surpassing its previous £19m in revenue.

“The level of loyalty and commitment among supporters remains the envy of our competitors,” said club chairman Peter Tom. “It is a position reflected, too, in our relationships with sponsors and partners, many of whom have long-term links with the club.

“This loyalty has resulted in record ticket sales at Welford Road while, in a very competitive marketplace, the club also secured record levels of sponsorship, including improved terms with existing partners and new relationships in a number of other areas.

“All of this was secured against the background of seeking a new main partner at the conclusion of an eight-year relationship with Caterpillar, with Holland & Barrett welcomed into that role before the start of the season. The Tigers’ position as the biggest and best-supported club in the professional game in the UK remains intact and it is one on which we continue to build.”

The club this year won the Anglo-Welsh Cup, while qualifying for the knockout stages of the Premiership season for the 13th consecutive season. Leicester Tigers are the only club to win the cup three times.

Tom said: “As we celebrate 125 years of rugby at Welford Road, there are major new plans for development around the stadium which are central to taking the club forward.

“Proposals for a hotel on the Granby Halls site next to the stadium will add not only a landmark to this part of the city but also to the facilities we have available for our customers, guests and supporters. The Board is also considering the provision of extra car-parking behind the South Stand but, while these projects provide improved facilities for all, the investment is not at the expense of the rugby budget where we remain committed to spending up to the salary cap on the squad.

“We invest heavily each season in support staff and facilities to ensure the players have the best possible preparation to represent the club on the field.”

Image: Michael Trolove