The attendance at the Challenge Cup final is lower than at the Premiership Rugby final

VaselineJune 9, 2024

0 1 minute read

The attendance at the Challenge Cup final is lower than at the Premiership Rugby final

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 08/06/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup Final – Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors – Wembley Stadium, London, England – Wigan’s Zach Eckersley

The Challenge Cup final took place at Wembley Stadium yesterday, with Wigan Warriors beating Warrington Wolves in a close encounter. Bevan French was awarded the Lance Todd Trophy for an inspirational display for Wigan.

Participation in the Challenge Cup has come under scrutiny in recent years, with both semi-finals played at neutral venues and the final struggling to attract large crowds.

Semi-final clashes have attracted just over 20,000 fans in total this year, with 11,193 watching Wigan beat Hull KR and under 10,000 fans in attendance for Warrington’s win over Huddersfield.

Low attendances at finals in recent years have also raised questions about whether Wembley is the right venue for showpiece matches.

Last year’s final drew just 58,213 fans, compared to the usual attendance of over 80,000 around 2010.

Yesterday, the Challenge Cup was subjected to a clash with one of the biggest fixtures in the Rugby Union calendar. The difference in attendance at the two matches was strong.

Test Challenge Cup: Name the winners from each year 1996-2023

Challenge Cup Final Draw powered by Union Showpiece

Credit: Imago Images

The Gallagher Premiership final took place yesterday at Twickenham. The game saw Northampton Saints beat Bath 25-21, with former Super League coach Lee Radford part of the Saints backroom staff.

The Premiership final attracted a sell out crowd at Twichenham with 81,699 fans in attendance to see Northampton lift the trophy.

In contrast, the Challenge Cup final was watched by a much smaller crowd. The crowd at Wembley was 64,845. The positive news in terms of attendance is that it is the biggest attendance for a cup final since 2017. However, with a triple header at Wembley yesterday and fans from six different clubs, it once again highlights how much they have decreased numbers in recent years.

It is undoubtedly a positive sign, however, that attendance is fine. Perhaps Rugby League would benefit from its own national stadium in the same way that Union has Twickenham.

VaselineJune 9, 2024

0 1 minute read

Test Challenge Cup: Name the winners from each year 1996-2023

Challenge Cup Final Draw powered by Union Showpiece

Vaseline

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