Birmingham City's average attendance at St Andrew's compared to last season, it is better so far | OneFootball

How has relegation impacted attendances for the Blues?

Birmingham City find themselves in somewhat uncharted territory during the 2024/25 season.

Following their relegation from the Championship at the end of last season, the Blues are now playing in the third-tier of English football for the first time since 1995.

There is however, high expectations on the club to win an immediate promotion back to the Championship this season.

That of course, will only have been enhanced by a remarkable summer transfer window, in which 17 new signings, including smashing the League One transfer record to sign Jay Stansfield.

But just how has all of that affected home attendances for Birmingham at St Andrew's during the current campaign, when compared to last season?

Blues' attendances up despite relegation

In spite of the fact they are playing in a division lower than they were last season, the number of people going to the club's home games this campaign, has increased.

Last season saw the Midlands club make a strong start under John Eustace, with the decision to sack him in early October, and appoint Wayne Rooney as manager, roundly criticised.

It was a move that backfired, with Birmingham being dragged into a relegation battle under the former Manchester United and England striker.

He was then replaced by Tony Mowbray, who looked to be turning things around. But when he was forced to step down for health reasons, the Blues were dragged back into trouble.

Eventually, the final day of the season saw the club relegated after finishing 22nd in the final standings, just one point from safety.

Across the course of that season, Birmingham did still manage to win ten of their 23 home league games, and as per Transfermarkt, recorded an average attendance at St Andrew's of 21,180.

This season, with a new manager in Chris Davies and a new look squad, there does seem to be a feelgood factor back around the club.

That shown on the pitch at St Andrew's, where the Blues have won five and drawn two of their seven home league games so far.

Indeed, they currently sit second in the League One table, two points clear of the play-off places and two behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers, with a game in hand on those around them.

It has also been evidenced in the stands, where according to Transfermarkt, Birmingham have an average home attendance of 26,763.

That is an increase of well over 5,000 from last season, showing the impact that the changes this season, have had on the general mood around the club.

Birmingham will hope for even bigger attendances in new stadium

Of course, those in charge at the Midlands outfit will no doubt be aiming for even attendances in a new venue in the years to come.

Earlier this year, owner Tom Wagner unveiled plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium for the Blues, with the aim of opening the facility for the 2029/30 season.

That would be more than twice the capacity of St Andrew's, which can currently hold 29,409 supporters.

A big challenge for Birmingham will therefore be finding ways to bring in the fans to that arena, to ensure they get a return on their financial investment in it.

If they can continue to move in the positive direction and enjoy the success they have done so far this season, there may well be a belief they can indeed do that.