The Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints takes place on Saturday 24th March (kick-off 5:30pm GMT) and the Falcons are well positioned to reach their stated target of 20,000.

The previous best attendance for a Falcons home game was 11,750 for the Premiership visit of Bath to Gateshead International Stadium in May 1998 during the Premiership title run-in.

With a major advertising campaign commencing today, sales are expected to be brisk over the next four weeks.

Supporters who wish to sit in the East Stand are urged to book as soon as possible with less than 300 seats remaining in this area. The Gallowgate East and Leazes East corners are now completely sold out.

As part of The Big One event, 195 junior teams will take part in the Land Rover Cup and an Under-7s/8s Festival on the morning of the match at Kingston Park Stadium.

At 3pm, the men’s university teams from rivals Newcastle and Northumbria do battle in a curtain-raiser at St. James’ Park in The Big Uni Clash.

Speaking about the ticket sales, Newcastle Falcons' head of marketing, Melanie Magee said: "The Big One is shaping up to be a huge event for North East rugby and we are delighted to have passed 17,000 ticket sales with a month to go.

"We’d like to thank the rugby clubs of the region for their support of The Big One as they have not only supported the junior festivals, but have bought thousands of tickets for the main event.

"What has also been really pleasing is the number of Newcastle United supporters who have purchased tickets to come and get behind the Falcons.

"With no Premier League or Championship football that weekend due to the international break, they have really taken the opportunity to come and give rugby a go.

"We now have an incredibly busy four weeks’ build up The Big One and will be working hard to ensure we have a huge crowd behind the team in what is a crucial game in the run-in to the end of the season."

Tickets for The Big One are available from both the Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons ticket offices.

To book call 0871 226 6060 or click here.