MLS Attendance: Week 3 figures and 2017 update

Mar 19, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; A Seattle Sounders fan holds up a championship scarf prior to the game between the Seattle Sounders and the New York Red Bulls at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated New York 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; A Seattle Sounders fan holds up a championship scarf prior to the game between the Seattle Sounders and the New York Red Bulls at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated New York 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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In this week’s report, we see some progress and some great attendance numbers from club’s that struggled with attendance last season.

The third week of the Major League Soccer season was an entertaining one with lots of goals and excitement, and it showed, as the highest average attendance of the season was recorded this past weekend. Here’s a closer look how some of the clubs did.

Seattle turns out for trophy presentation

The defending MLS champions played their first match of 2017 at home on Sunday as the Seattle Sounder faithful turned out to watch their club begin their home campaign. It was a very good turnout as 45,600 people were in attendance, just shy of the 45,922 at the Atlanta United match. Nonetheless, it was higher than last year’s average attendance but lower than the 53,302 that were at the club’s biggest attendance draw of 2016.

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Colorado on the struggle bus

The Rapids have had some of the lowest numbers we’ve seen this season, as they were the ninth lowest in week one and this week they are at the very bottom. This week they had over 2,000 less people in attendance, then their home opener.

Real Salt Lake see’s increase

It hasn’t been a very good start to the season for the Real Salt Lake fan base, but they had over 20,000 in attendance for this weekend’s match against the LA Galaxy. The final number was 20,348, which is just lower than last season’s highest attendance of 20,389.

Usual suspects

The trio of the Portland Timbers, Atlanta Untied and Orlando City brought in their usual high attendance. Both Orlando City and the Timbers had sellouts. Atlanta United claimed the top spot in attendance for the second week this season.

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC players celebrate after Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin (9) scored a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC players celebrate after Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin (9) scored a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 3 attendance

  1. Atlanta United (45,922)
  2. Seattle Sounders (45,600)
  3. Orlando City (25,527)
  4. Portland Timbers (21,114)
  5. Vancouver Whitecaps (20,438)
  6. Real Salt Lake (20,348)
  7. Sporting Kansas City (19,282)
  8. New York City FC (18,515)
  9. FC Dallas (16,150)
  10. D.C. United (14,031)
  11. Colorado Rapids (14,013)

Next: MLS: All the Goals from Week 3

That’s an average of 23,721 (23,722 if you round up) which is the highest average of the season thus far.