THE 2024 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford is heading for its largest attendance for at least six years.
Salford Red Devils’ home eliminator against Leigh Leopards has captured the imagination of fans of both clubs, with the Red Devils confirming on Tuesday that they have already smashed their record attendance since moving to the Salford Community Stadium 13 years ago.
That is followed on Saturday evening by another derby eliminator as Warrington Wolves host St Helens in a match that will be televised live by both Sky Sports and BBC Two – the first Super League play-off to be shown live by BBC Sport since the Grand Final was introduced 26 years ago.
With next Friday’s semi-final at Hull KR expected to be a five-figure sell-out at Sewell Group Craven Park, and Wigan Warriors also reporting strong early sales for their home semi-final at The Brick Community Stadium the following evening (October 5), there will be packed houses all the way to Old Trafford on Saturday October 12.
And with pre-sales at their strongest level for years, the Grand Final is virtually guaranteed to have an attendance in excess of 65,000 for the first time since 2017.
Rhodri Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial, said: “The start of autumn is always an exciting time of year for Rugby League fans, and there seems to be an extra buzz around the sport this year.
“Maybe that comes from the excitement and unpredictability of the regular season, with all 162 games being televised for the first time under our latest broadcast agreement with Sky Sports.
“Now the focus turns to Old Trafford in October, with six teams still in contention to appear in the 27th Betfred Super League Grand Final – and two mouthwatering Eliminators to kick off the Play-Offs this weekend.
“There’s a real novelty about the opening match, with it being Salford’s first home Play-Off for five years, Leigh’s second appearance in the Super League Play-Offs, and the first time the teams have met at this stage of the season.
“With BBC Sport joining Sky Sports in covering the Play-Offs this year as part of our new broadcast agreements, it means that more people than ever will see the Saturday evening games – starting with Warrington versus St Helens this weekend.”
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