Stats - Beckham still draws in 2011

[kodiakTFC]

Say what you want about the guy but he still draws big numbers to MLS. This year when TFC played the Galaxy at home I couldn't help but notice that that was probably the most people I have ever actually seen at BMO. It seemed as though every seat was filled, even the top corners of the 200s which never seems to happen.

Being the attendance junkie I am and after seeing the numbers for the Revolution game this weekend I decided to take a look at just how much Beckham and the Galaxy were drawing against league norms. So lets take a look.

Teams - Game Attendance - Home Team Average
LA vs. RSL - 20,507 (record) - 16,272
LA vs. DC United - 26,622 - 16,344
LA vs. TFC - 22,453 - 19,628
LA vs. Chicago - 18,203 - 13,288
LA vs. Dallas - 21,867 - 13,728
LA vs. Philly - 19,178 - 18,099
LA vs. Chivas - 27,000 - 17,118 Skewed for obvious reasons
LA vs. NE Revs - 21,793 - 12,449

**For those interested, the Galaxy at home average 22,823 which is second in the league.

Discuss. For the record, I do assume that this is Beckham drawing in the fans not Donovan, Angel or the allure of the Galaxy brand.

[rocker]

well, he's still sexy so no surprise there!

[MartinUtd]

Wasn't this year his MLS league debut at BMO?

[Red CB Toronto]

Wasn't this year his MLS league debut at BMO?

You are correct, it was .

[MartinUtd]

Thought so. I wonder how many other teams have had similar experiences with his spotty attendence. I'm sure he'd draw regardless but this must contribute the continued interest.

[TFC07]

I wonder if Henry is drawing crowds as well.

[kodiakTFC]

I wonder if Henry is drawing crowds as well.

I was going to include Henry but I decided the evidence wasn't quite there yet. He drew 25,300 in New York and sold in Vancouver with 21000 but other than that theres only been 3 away games and they weren't amazing. The houston number is impressive but that could've been Rafa more so than Henry.

[CretanBull]

Henry will only draw soccer fans. Beckham draws from a MUCH wider audience. People who have no interest in soccer won't be lured to the stadium to see Henry play, but I'm willing to bet that A LOT of people saw their first ever soccer game when Beckham came to town.

[kodiakTFC]

Henry will only draw soccer fans. Beckham draws from a MUCH wider audience. People who have no interest in soccer won't be lured to the stadium to see Henry play, but I'm willing to bet that A LOT of people saw their first ever soccer game when Beckham came to town.

I believe that was true in his first season in MLS but in 2011? I don't believe that. I think the non-soccer fan no longer cares or has any idea hes even in town.

I agree with Henry and the Red Bulls in general, I can't wait for that game.

[CretanBull]

I believe that was true in his first season in MLS but in 2011? I don't believe that. I think the non-soccer fan no longer cares or has any idea hes even in town.

I agree with Henry and the Red Bulls in general, I can't wait for that game.

Beckham has missed a lot of games, and when he has come to town not everyone who wanted to see him was able to get a ticket so I think that demand is still there. Don't discount the number of people who are drawn to an 'event' and Beckham visiting a town still has that prestige..perhaps less so here, but in Columbus? Kansas City?

[prizby]

sure its not landon donavon Americans are going to see?

[kodiakTFC]

sure its not landon donavon Americans are going to see?

You don't see a stadium lightning up with cameras when Donovan touches the ball. Landycakes is only relevant to Americans when the USA is playing.

[jaahuuu]

Wasn't this year his MLS league debut at BMO?

It also set the current BMO Field attendance record, I'd say he's still a draw.

[habstfc]

It also set the current BMO Field attendance record, I'd say he's still a draw.

He's not as big a draw at home though. The first 2 seasons I believe the galaxy sold out every game, not now.

[GBV]

It also set the current BMO Field attendance record, I'd say he's still a draw.

...and people were actually there before kick-off for that game.
quelle concept.