Gotham FC must ensure that attendance growth continues | OneFootball

While some players are away on international duty, NJ/NY Gotham FC continues to prepare for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite the numerous departures, the Bats are hoping to build from their third-place finish in 2024 and NWSL Championship in 2023.

So far, they have won both preseason games in Spain and will soon head to Florida for the final two preseason matches. Gotham's first NWSL match on March 15 will be here before one knows it. Fans should be excited about the upcoming campaign, but the Bats also need to figure out how to increase fan engagement and attendance.

Yes, they did break the club attendance record in the NWSL Playoffs when the ladies hosted Portland Thorns FC in the quarterfinals, with 15,540 in the stands. Moreover, attendance has increased, which is a good thing. In 2024, the average regular season attendance was 8,589.

Still, Gotham is in a prime area for sports. The New York tri-state area should see the team have some of the higher attendance in the NWSL, and not be in the middle of the pack.

Gotham FC must continue to see attendance growth

Therefore, the front office might need to expand some ideas and maybe think outside of the box. They might need to do things this season that nobody would expect them to do. Gotham FC is a great team and so much fun to watch. They have great theme games and sometimes have some great stars at the matches. So, what does the club need to do to ensure that attendance continues to grow?

To start, they should announce all of the major stars that are coming to every game. Sometimes, everyone finds out right before the match when some stars will be there. Obviously, someone like Eli Manning does not need to be announced for every fixture. But if a popular TV star will be there, then Gotham should let fans know possibly a week or so out.

Sure, the Bats should not have to utilize stars to get fans to the games. However, if someone is not sure whether they would go one weekend and then see someone they love will be there, then that might be something to get them to secure tickets.

Out of the box, Gotham should try to get one or two of the biggest stars each year. Someone like Taylor Swift might be a reach, but it would not hurt to try since she does call New York home. There is no question though that stars can sometimes bring people to games.

Another idea is to increase the offers of giveaways before, during, or after games. Fans of any team love a good giveaway, so perhaps they can convince more to show by giving something out every match. If one is a fan of the New York Yankees or New York Mets, then they know some items like bobbleheads or specialty clothing can cause fans to arrive early and line up. Think about it- who would not want a Midge Purce bobblehead?

In addition, the team could do a huge raffle for the end of the year, like season tickets, a fully funded away trip for a match in 2026, or more. To enter the raffle, one must show up to a game, and they can only enter once put match. Hence, someone who attends all of the home fixtures will have more raffles than someone who only goes once.

Some might argue the team would be bribing people to attend, but when one is trying to grow attendance, things like this are a must. However, the most important aspect to ensure attendance does not decline rather than increase is to put out solid performances on the pitch. The Bats must continue to win and play entertaining football.

Gotham FC is at a time where they need to utilize some of the stars they have to make the team appealing to the casual fan. At the same time, using some of the methods above could encourage others to attend matches. The club must increase the attendance in 2025.