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Rugby League

Saints announce record crowds despite below-par 2008 season

03/04/2008

Super League side St Helens have announced a 34 per cent increase in their overall attendance compared to the same time last season.

The big jump in spectator numbers has been brought about by the club's "aggressive marketing campaign", according to the club's marketing manager Hannah Richardson.

With five home games played in the current season, Saints' aggregate crowd of 63,065 compares favourably to the 47,158 at the same point last year.

And the club's average attendance of more than 12,600 represents an increase of over a third from last season's average of just over 9,000.

Discussing the club's new focus on expanding its fanbase, Ms Richardson explained: "We have targeted several areas this year including ticketing promotions with the new family ticket, bus advertising, extensive advertising on radio, local newspapers and ecommerce and our community team is sending out the message in schools and around the local area.

"We have also been working hard to strengthen links with our sponsors, creating value for Saints fans by offering joint competitions and special offers."

The increased attendances come amid a relatively below-par start to the season for St Helens, who sit fourth in Super League with only five wins from nine games so far despite title aspirations.

However news of the crowd improvements and stadium expansion plans at Knowsley Road have been well-timed as the club look to secure one of the 14 Super League franchise licences, due to be announced this summer.