The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has experienced a significant surge in attendance over the past few decades, with a growing fan base and increased interest in the sport. According to data from the U.S. Soccer Federation, the average attendance for USMNT home matches has consistently increased, with a notable spike in recent years. In 2020, the average attendance for USMNT home matches was 23,411, with a total of 234,110 fans attending the team's six home matches.
One of the primary factors contributing to the increase in attendance is the growing popularity of soccer in the United States. The sport has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past few decades, with the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the increasing success of the USMNT in international competitions. The team's appearance in the 2014 World Cup, where they advanced to the round of 16, helped to increase interest in the team and attract new fans. Additionally, the success of the U.S. Women's National Team, which has won four World Cup titles, has also helped to increase interest in soccer and attract new fans to the sport.
Key Points
- The average attendance for USMNT home matches has consistently increased, with a notable spike in recent years.
- The growing popularity of soccer in the United States is a primary factor contributing to the increase in attendance.
- The success of the USMNT in international competitions, including the 2014 World Cup, has helped to increase interest in the team and attract new fans.
- The success of the U.S. Women's National Team has also helped to increase interest in soccer and attract new fans to the sport.
- MLS has played a significant role in promoting soccer in the United States and increasing interest in the USMNT.
Attendance Trends
The attendance trends for USMNT home matches have been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In the 1990s, the average attendance for USMNT home matches was around 10,000-15,000 fans per match. However, with the rise of MLS and the increasing success of the USMNT, attendance began to increase significantly. In the 2000s, the average attendance for USMNT home matches rose to around 20,000-25,000 fans per match. By the 2010s, attendance had increased to around 30,000-40,000 fans per match, with some matches attracting over 50,000 fans.
One of the most notable attendance records for the USMNT was set in 2013, when the team played a friendly match against Mexico at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match attracted a crowd of 84,876 fans, setting a new record for the largest attendance for a USMNT home match. Other notable attendance records include a 2015 friendly match against Brazil at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, which attracted a crowd of 67,469 fans, and a 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup match against Panama at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, which attracted a crowd of 51,736 fans.
MLS and Attendance
MLS has played a significant role in promoting soccer in the United States and increasing interest in the USMNT. The league was founded in 1996 and has since grown to include 26 teams, with several more teams set to join in the coming years. MLS has helped to increase interest in soccer by providing a professional league for American players to compete in, and by attracting top talent from around the world. The league has also helped to increase attendance for USMNT home matches, as fans who support their local MLS teams are also more likely to support the national team.
| Year | Average Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,116 |
| 2011 | 24,361 |
| 2012 | 25,491 |
| 2013 | 27,147 |
| 2014 | 29,136 |
| 2015 | 30,465 |
| 2016 | 32,103 |
| 2017 | 33,595 |
| 2018 | 34,442 |
| 2019 | 35,616 |
| 2020 | 23,411 |
Future Outlook
The future outlook for attendance at USMNT home matches is promising. With the continued growth of MLS and the increasing popularity of soccer in the United States, it is likely that attendance will continue to increase. The USMNT’s success in international competitions, including the 2022 World Cup, will also play a significant role in attracting new fans and increasing interest in the team. Additionally, the team’s upcoming matches, including a friendly against Argentina in September 2023, are expected to attract large crowds and help to further increase attendance.
In conclusion, the attendance for USMNT home matches has consistently increased over the past few decades, with a notable spike in recent years. The growing popularity of soccer in the United States, the success of the USMNT in international competitions, and the growth of MLS have all contributed to the increase in attendance. As the team continues to succeed and attract new fans, it is likely that attendance will continue to increase, setting new records and cementing the USMNT's place as one of the most popular sports teams in the United States.
What is the average attendance for USMNT home matches?
+The average attendance for USMNT home matches has consistently increased, with a notable spike in recent years. In 2020, the average attendance for USMNT home matches was 23,411.
What factors have contributed to the increase in attendance for USMNT home matches?
+The growing popularity of soccer in the United States, the success of the USMNT in international competitions, and the growth of MLS have all contributed to the increase in attendance.
What is the largest attendance record for a USMNT home match?
+The largest attendance record for a USMNT home match was set in 2013, when the team played a friendly match against Mexico at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, attracting a crowd of 84,876 fans.
