As big clubs like Leeds United, Leicester City, and Southampton move down from the Premier League and Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday move up from League One, it seems that the Championship is attracting more fans than ever before.
This season in the Championship has proven to be very competitive, with the race for automatic promotion, play-off spots, and the battle to avoid relegation all wide open.
Let’s take a look at the average attendances for the top three teams in the second tier: Leicester, Leeds, and Sunderland.
Leicester City – King Power Stadium – 30,966
It’s no surprise that the Foxes have such a high attendance. Currently sitting at the top of the Championship, Leicester are 11 points clear of second-placed Southampton. Enzo Maresca leads the team, but his coaching style has caused some displeasure among fans.
Leicester is shaping up to be one of the strongest teams the Championship has seen, and they might even break Reading’s record of 106 points.
Leeds United – Elland Road – 35,851
Leeds, with their rich history, are arguably the biggest team in the division. They are currently in third place, just one point behind Southampton in second. The race for a top two finish is tight, with Leeds firmly in the mix.
Sunderland – Stadium of Light – 40,969
Sunderland’s season has been mixed, currently sitting in eighth place, just one point off the play-off positions. Despite a change in coaching staff and some unpopular decisions, Sunderland fans continue to show up in large numbers. Their attendance is not only the highest among the three teams, but also the entire division.
Comparing Sunderland’s season to Leeds and Leicester, it hasn’t been as successful on the field. However, credit is due to the fans for their unwavering support, even in tough times.
It will be interesting to see if Sunderland’s attendance holds steady if they drop away from the play-off positions by the end of the season.
