The English Football League's (EFL) strategic shift to commence the season with Carabao Cup matches has led to record-breaking crowd numbers across the competition's opening weekend. This move, aimed at addressing a congested football calendar and an extended international break in September, has drawn unprecedented support.
A total of 313,852 spectators attended the first round ties, significantly surpassing the previous record of nearly 250,000 set in the 2023-24 season. The average attendance for this season's opening round has climbed to 8,967, a notable increase from the approximately 6,000 average seen in the preceding two seasons.
Even without factoring in the substantial attendance of 53,369 at the London Stadium for the West Ham United versus Portsmouth match, which included 9,000 away supporters, the overall record would still have been broken. Further demonstrating the increased draw, 12 out of 15 clubs that hosted first-round fixtures last season and again this year reported higher gates.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch commented on the success, stating, 'It has been fantastic to see club football return with such strong support across the opening Carabao Cup fixtures, with supporters once again demonstrating in record numbers the passion, loyalty and commitment that sits at the heart of the EFL.' He added, 'As we look ahead to the start of the league season this weekend, there is a real sense of anticipation across our clubs and their supporters. The opening fixtures have provided an exciting early marker, and we now look forward to a season that will once again show why supporters can 'expect everything' from the EFL.'