Newcastle United supporters have helped the EFL to smash the record for the highest number of season ticket holders across its 72 league clubs.
There are now more than 500,000 season ticket holders at clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two.
Around 37,000 of those supporters are season ticket holders at the Magpies’ St, James’ Park - representing around 7% of the overall total across 72 league clubs.
United fans also make up more than 11% of the 326,000 season ticket holders in the Championship. Without United, the average number of season ticket holders at the remaining 23 clubs drops to approximately 12,500.
The EFL has indicated that the landmark figure represents “a growing appetite for live football”, while illustrating “a greater focus being placed on concessionary and family ticket options”.
Shaun Harvey, CEO of the EFL, said: “It is testament to the dedication and innovative approach clubs are taking to recruit season ticket holders that we are able to celebrate this collective landmark for the EFL.
“It is clear to see that football has never been so popular, nor has it ever been so competitively priced with great value for money being provided across the three divisions.
“It’s particularly pleasing to see so many new ideas being implemented to encourage families to attend and ensure that kids are given a taste of live EFL football at an early age – an experience and a thrill that we hope will stay with them for a lifetime.”
In addition, EFL research has shown that ticket costs across all ticket options are decreasing too.
For the 2016/17 season, all Newcastle United season ticket holders were given a 10% discount across the board, with many receiving refunds or reduced monthly payments in September.
The average attendance at St. James' Park so far this season is a hugely impressive 50,618 - up from an average of 49,790 when the club was in the Premier League last season.
Half-season tickets are now on sale for the Magpies’ final 13 home matches of the current Championship campaign - starting with the visit of Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.
To secure your seat, please visit www.nufc.co.uk/seasontickets, call 0844 372 1892 (calls cost 7p per minute plus your network access charge) or visit the St. James’ Park box office in the Milburn Stand.
