Comparing Super League 2023 opening weekend attendances to 2022

Josh McAllister 21 Feb 2023 9:47 AM

A total of 49,159 supporters attended a Super League fixture during the opening round of 2023 – an average of 9,831 across the five fixtures.

It’s a slight increase from 2022’s opening weekend that saw an average 9,695 between the six games.

St Helens’ involvement in the World Club Challenge meant there was one less game during the opening round in 2023, with their match against Huddersfield postponed.

Super League 2023 attendances

Hull’s home clash with Castleford on Sunday saw the highest attendance of the opening round with 15,383 as Tony Smith’s side claimed a 32-30 victory.

The highest opening attendance of 2022 came at Leeds, with 14,135 supporters inside Headingley Stadium for the game against Warrington. It also kicked-off Channel 4’s coverage of the sport.

Warrington’s home tie against the Rhinos kicked-off the 2023 campaign last Thursday, with an official attendance of 11,082 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

On Friday, Leigh’s return to the top division saw a crowd of 8,589 at the Leigh Sports Village against Salford. Owner Derek Beaumont promised an entertaining night, and he certainly delivered with an incredible pre-season show that included Scouting for Girls, a fire show, fireworks and the unveiling of their newest mascot, Leeto.

On Saturday, Hull KR saw an impressive crowd of 10,029 as Willie Peters’ side claimed a 27-18 victory over Wigan. Captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall crossed for his first-ever Super League hat-trick, while Ryan Hall and Kane Linnett also crossed for four-pointers on the day.

9,044 attended the same fixture in 2022 at Craven Park, which was also during the opening round.

Wakefield recorded the lowest attendance of the opening weekend with 4,076 inside Belle Vue as Catalans claimed a 38-24 victory. Tom Johnstone scoring a hat-trick on his debut for the Dragons against his former club.