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MLS Attendance: Week 2 figures and 2017 update

By Daniel Garza

Mar 12, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of TCF Bank Stadium during the second half between Atlanta United and Minnesota United. Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of TCF Bank Stadium during the second half between Atlanta United and Minnesota United. Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The second match day of the 2017 Major League Soccer season saw poor attendance numbers across the board, as some clubs hosted their first matches and others played host for the second consecutive week.

As a whole, only the Montreal Impact saw numbers higher than their average attendance from last season, however, they played at the Olympic Stadium and not Saputo Stadium for their opening weekend. Elsewhere in MLS attendance, the Chicago Fire struggled and Sporting Kansas City saw solid numbers after less than ideal conditions for their opening match of 2017.

Minnesota begins MLS journey

One of the two newest additions to the MLS hosted their first match as a member of the league. It was by no means an enjoyable match for fans to watch as Minnesota United fell 6-1 to fellow expansion club Atlanta United, but the turnout was just over 35,000, which is the second highest attendance already this season.

Much like Atlanta, one will have to wait and see how their season will play out, after two tough losses the numbers could decline if this type of play becomes a pattern.

Mar 11, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Game ball before the game between the Seattle Sounders FC and the Montreal Impact at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Game ball before the game between the Seattle Sounders FC and the Montreal Impact at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Montreal thrives at Olympic Stadium

The Impact hosted their first match in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium, which is used by the club for special matches and events, or due to harsh weather conditions. Over 34,000 people were on hand to watch the thrilling 2-2 draw against Seattle. The final number was 34,373, which is higher than last season peak attendance of 27,545.

Chicago struggles

After a poor showing in 2016, the Chicago Fire are off to a decent start in 2017. Their victory over Real Salt Lake has them second in the Eastern Conference table heading into matchday three. However, their attendance at the match has them in dead last. If their form continues, then it will be interesting to see if attendance numbers will surpass last year’s numbers.

Next: MLS TV Weekend Schedule - Week 3

Week 2 attendance

Here’s how each home team did in week two of the MLS season (from the weekly match stat reports):

  1. Minnesota United (35,043)
  2. Montreal Impact (34,373)
  3. New York City FC (24,259)
  4. LA Galaxy (20,982)
  5. New York Red Bulls (19,375)
  6. Sporting Kansas City (19,117)
  7. San Jose Earthquakes (18,000)
  8. Philadelphia Union (16,795)
  9. Houston Dynamo (16,486)
  10. Chicago Fire (13,024)

An average attendance of 21,745, which is lower than week one and just above last year’s season average.

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