A surge in season ticket purchases will drive the League of Ireland to another record-breaking year of attendances, according to Future Ticketing.
The leading digital ticketing services provider has seen intense interest in season tickets across its 12 partner clubs in the run-up to the big kick-off tonight.
Defending SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions Shelbourne have seen season ticket sales rocket by more than 30% as fans flock to Tolka Park, hoping for back-to-back titles.
Meanwhile, the best-supported team in the country, Shamrock Rovers, look set to reach 4,500 season tickets sold as they aim to top last season’s league-best average of over 6,000 fans per game at Tallaght Stadium.
Also in the capital, St Patrick’s Athletic have sold out season tickets across most areas of the ground, with limited matchday tickets available due to high demand for their clash at Richmond Park against FAI Cup holders Drogheda United.
In the northwest, Finn Harps operate a membership model that includes a season ticket discount, and in the run-up to the First Division kick-off, nearly 1,600 memberships had been snapped up.
Trending Up
The trend in attendances across all League of Ireland grounds has been upwards in recent seasons. After surpassing the one million milestone in 2024, records are set to tumble again, with the Women’s Premier Division also attracting unprecedented interest.
Future Ticketing renewed contracts last year with Shelbourne, Drogheda, and Treaty United last year have cemented the company’s position as an industry leader.
“Eight years ago, when we started working with League of Ireland clubs, we never imagined the league could scale such heights,” said managing director Liam Holton.
“Seeing record attendances and incredible fan engagement today is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our partner clubs.”
“These clubs have faced tough times, especially during Covid, but their hard work is now paying off. We’re absolutely thrilled for them.”
“Future Ticketing instigated the digital transformation by delivering the system software that put clubs in control of their own ticket sales.”
“Our passion for Irish football runs deep. Knowing fans are at the heart of the game, we made sure match tickets were never more than a few clicks away by developing the game-changing Digital Ticketing App.”
“That innovation continued last year with Dashboard Connect, giving clubs better control over away ticket sales, real-time data analytics, and live financial insights. We’re proud to support clubs as they continue to grow and bring this great league to more fans than ever before.”
Club Reaction
Ross Cullinane, Ticketing & Retail Manager at Shamrock Rovers FC, commented:
“We’re excited to enter our eighth season with Future Ticketing, said Ross Cullinane Ticketing and Retail Manager at Shamrock Rovers.
“Over the years, we’ve grown stronger together, and with the new Dashboard Connect feature, we’re now able to shift our focus even more on delivering an exceptional fan experience.”
“We are delighted that Future Ticketing has accompanied us on our journey to the league title and the partnership is one we value highly,” added Keith McDarby, Commercial Director at Shelbourne.
“This year’s season ticket campaign has been a huge success, with a 30% increase year on year, and we will welcome over 700 new season ticket holders to Tolka Park. We are pleased that our fans have embraced the platform, and we look forward to continued development.”
“Here at St Patrick’s Athletic we have always been very proud of the unique atmosphere in Richmond Park and the extremely close bond we have with our supporters,” said Alan Brady, Operations Manager, St Patrick’s Athletic.
“Thanks to Future Ticketing, that bond is stronger than ever and we cannot wait to welcome Pat’s followers back for the new season.”
Future Ticketing’s partner clubs in the League of Ireland are Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Drogheda United, St Patrick’s Athletic, Galway United, Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Kerry FC, Treaty United and Longford Town.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Attendance figures have been trending upwards and with the million barrier broken last season, and the buzz coming into 2025, we expect to see new records set this year. Then we need to see the facilities catch up to satisfy the demand.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The big kick off is tonight.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Future Ticketing, Shamrock Rovers, the FAI, SSE Airtricity, and the League of Ireland are among the more than 300 members of the Sport for Business Community. Our Football Coverage is in partnership with Sky Ireland.
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