BrandDunk

Overall attendance at NFL games in 2007 exceeded 17M fans. 256 games were played and those games averaged 69K fans per game.  And from looking at the individual team stats there are a few conclusions about what it takes to have a top attendance in the NFL.

First, you have to build a large stadium.  The Skins built the largest and still pack the house.  While the Colts sit at the bottom of the attendance list, and still average more than 100% attendance for each game.  And the Colts new stadium will only be a hair larger than the RCA Dome, so don’t expect the Colts position to change anytime soon.  Second, you have to build a following over many years.  Of the top 10 teams in attendance only 2 teams (Panthers & Ravens) have been around for less than 20 years.  Note: I’m choosing to ignore the period that the Browns were not in Cleveland.  The Skins, Giants, Jets, Chiefs, Broncos, Bills, Browns & Dolphins have been establishing their loyal fan bases for generations.  Tickets owned by those fans have been passed down through families for generations.  And with these teams the support is not based on just wins & losses over one season, these fans loyalty last more than one season.  Which is how the Dolphins & Browns numbers have stayed high despite some tough seasons lately.

Highest Average Attendance by NFL Team in 2007:
1) 88,090 – Washington Redskins
2) 78,731 – New York Giants
3) 77,107 – New York Jets
4) 76,777 – Kansas City Chiefs
5) 76,612 – Denver Broncos *
6) 73,403 – Carolina Panthers
7) 73,001 – Cleveland Browns
8 ) 72,229 – Miami Dolphins
9) 71,153 – Baltimore Ravens *
10) 71,055 – Buffalo Bills
11) 70,805 – Green Bay Packers
12) 70,520 – Houston Texans
13) 70,005 – New Orleans Saints *
14) 69,143 – Tennessee Titans *
15) 68,756 – New England Patriots *
16) 68,396 – Atlanta Falcons
17) 68,194 – Seattle Seahawks *
18) 68,170 – Philadelphia Eagles
19) 68,028 – San Francisco 49ers
20) 65,790 – Cincinnati Bengals *
21) 65,502 – San Diego Chargers
22) 65,316 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23) 65,301 – Jacksonville Jaguars
24) 64,581 – Arizona Cardinals
25) 63,535 – Dallas Cowboys
26) 63,256 – Minnesota Vikings
27) 63,044 – St. Louis Rams
28) 62,158 – Chicago Bears *
29) 62,084 – Pittsburgh Steelers
30) 61,305 – Detroit Lions
31) 59,110 – Oakland Raiders
32) 57,305 – Indianapolis Colts *

* = 9 teams that averaged more fans than seats available for home games. Averaged higher than 100% capacity. They can achieve these b/c of standing room only ticket sales. The Raiders averaged the worst at only 93% of capacity.

Source: Sports Business Journal Volume 10, Issue 36