May 7 – Matchweek 35 of the Premier League season delivered the highest average stadium capacity of the campaign so far, with grounds filled to an impressive 98.86% across the board. With the title already decided, it’s the intense scramble for European places that appears to be pulling fans through the turnstiles in record numbers.
The latest figures show an increase from the season average of 97.8%, with six clubs now in the ‘99% club’ – a record since Insideworldfootball began tracking capacity data. West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa, Brentford, Arsenal and, for the first time, Manchester City all hit or exceeded the 99% mark in Matchweek 35.
Man City’s return to near-perfect attendance comes as Pep Guardiola’s side finds form, chasing down faltering Arsenal in the battle for second place. The 99% figure is a milestone for the Etihad, which has often been criticised for empty seats, particularly during the side’s unexpected run of losses in the middle of the season that nobody saw coming, even in the absence of star man Rodri.
At the other end of the spectrum, already-relegated Leicester City registered the lowest capacity percentage by some distance at 96.84%. Remove that single outlier, and the average for the round would have crept above 99% for the first time in the tracker’s history.
The data confirms that while the Premier League title may be settled, supporters remain deeply engaged as their teams battle for Champions League and Europa League places. As the season nears its conclusion, clubs with something still to play for are reaping the rewards in terms of fan turnout.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746710877labto1746710877ofdlr1746710877owedi1746710877sni@g1746710877niwe.1746710877yrrah1746710877