European Hockey Attendance in 2023/2024: A Deep Dive into Fan Engagement and League Trends
The 2023/2024 season has been a fascinating one for European hockey, with attendance figures revealing significant insights into fan engagement, regional popularity, and the overall health of the sport across the continent. From powerhouse clubs in Germany and Switzerland to emerging markets in Eastern Europe, the data highlights both successes and challenges for hockey leagues and teams.
Top Clubs in Attendance
The attendance figures for the 2023/2024 season showcase the dominance of traditional hockey powerhouses, with German and Swiss clubs leading the way. Here are some key highlights:
- Kolner Haie (Germany): Topping the list with an average attendance of 16,993, Kolner Haie continues to be a fan favorite, filling 91.36% of their arena capacity. Their consistent performance and strong community ties have solidified their position as one of Europe’s most supported clubs.
- SC Bern (Switzerland): A perennial leader in attendance, SC Bern averages 15,490 fans per game, with a 90.95% capacity rate. The club’s passionate fan base and historic success make it a cornerstone of Swiss hockey.
- Eisbaren Berlin (Germany): With 13,804 fans per game and a remarkable 97.21% capacity rate, Eisbaren Berlin exemplifies the growing popularity of hockey in Germany’s capital city.
- SKA St. Petersburg (Russia): Despite geopolitical challenges, SKA St. Petersburg remains a powerhouse, drawing 13,332 fans per game and filling 96.44% of their arena.
- Dynamo Minsk (Belarus): Dynamo Minsk has seen a surge in attendance, averaging 12,143 fans per game. Their 79.54% capacity rate reflects the growing interest in hockey in Belarus.
League-Wide Trends
The data also reveals broader trends across European leagues, highlighting growth in some regions and challenges in others:
- Germany – Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL): The DEL continues to thrive, with an average attendance of 7,162, a 21.82% increase from the previous season. This growth underscores the league’s successful marketing strategies and the increasing popularity of hockey in Germany.
- Switzerland – National League: Switzerland remains a hockey stronghold, with an average attendance of 7,130. While growth is modest at 1.78%, the league maintains its status as one of Europe’s most competitive and well-supported.
- Russia – Kontinental Hockey League (KHL): Despite geopolitical tensions, the KHL has seen a 21.90% increase in attendance, averaging 6,623 fans per game. This growth is driven by strong performances from clubs like SKA St. Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow.
- Sweden – Swedish Hockey League (SHL): The SHL remains a top-tier league, with an average attendance of 6,136. A 2.88% increase reflects steady growth, driven by historic clubs like Frolunda Gothenburg and Djurgarden Stockholm.
- Czechia – Extraliga: Czech hockey continues to grow, with an average attendance of 5,562, up 3.96% from last season. Clubs like Sparta Prague and Dynamo Pardubice are key drivers of this success.
- Finland – Liiga: Finland’s Liiga has seen a 5.40% increase in attendance, averaging 4,568 fans per game. Clubs like Tappara Tampere and HIFK Helsinki remain central to the league’s appeal.
- Great Britain – Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL): The EIHL has experienced a 9.33% increase in attendance, averaging 3,479 fans per game. The Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants are among the league’s most supported teams.
Challenges and Opportunities
While many leagues and clubs are thriving, the data also highlights areas for improvement:
- Capacity Utilization: Some clubs, like HC Fribourg-Gottéron (100% capacity) and EV Zug (97.54%), are maximizing their arena potential. However, others, such as Dynamo Moscow (60.59%) and Malmo Redhawks (54.16%), struggle to fill their venues. Targeted marketing and community engagement could help these clubs boost attendance.
- Regional Disparities: Attendance figures vary significantly by region. While Western European leagues like the DEL and National League are thriving, some Eastern European and lower-tier leagues face challenges. Investment in infrastructure and youth development could help bridge this gap.
- Second-Tier Leagues: Second-tier leagues, such as Germany’s DEL2 and Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, have seen impressive growth. The DEL2, for example, has experienced a 29.42% increase in attendance, averaging 3,154 fans per game. This growth highlights the potential for lower-tier leagues to attract fans and develop talent.
North American Comparison
For context, North American leagues continue to set the standard for hockey attendance:
- National Hockey League (NHL): The NHL averages 17,452 fans per game, a 2.21% increase from last season.
- American Hockey League (AHL): The AHL averages 5,861 fans per game, up 5.66%.
- ECHL: The ECHL has seen a 5.78% increase, averaging 4,868 fans per game.
While European leagues still trail North America in absolute numbers, the growth rates in leagues like the DEL and KHL suggest that European hockey is closing the gap.
Conclusion
The 2023/2024 attendance figures paint a promising picture for European hockey. Traditional powerhouses like Kolner Haie and SC Bern continue to lead the way, while emerging markets in Eastern Europe and second-tier leagues show significant potential. However, challenges remain, particularly in maximizing arena capacity and addressing regional disparities.
As leagues and clubs continue to innovate and engage with their communities, the future of European hockey looks bright. With strategic investments and a focus on fan experience, the sport has the potential to reach even greater heights in the coming years.
