Showpiece occasion capturing the imagination...
SUNDAY'S Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final between The Saddlers and Bristol City at Wembley will be the best-attended football match in the UK this weekend, with more than 70,000 tickets already sold.Due to the exceptional levels of demand from both sets of supporters, the match will also draw one of the highest crowds in European football this weekend and may only be bettered by the ‘El Clasico’ in Barcelona.
This weekend’s top 5 anticipated UK football match attendances:
1. 72,000 – Bristol City v Walsall (Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final)
2. 52,000 – Newcastle v Arsenal (Barclays Premier League)
3. 45,500 – Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion(Barclays Premier League)
4. 45,000 – Liverpool v Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)
5. 44,000 – Celtic v Dundee United (Scottish Premiership)
Around 40,000 Bristol City fans will be cheering on the Sky Bet League 1 leaders at the national stadium, hoping to see the Robins become the first club to win this competition three times. For Walsall, Sunday will be the club’s first-ever trip to Wembley in the club’s 127-year history. The Saddlers will have around 30,000 fans backing them on what is sure to be a special occasion for all.
Drew Barrand, The Football League’s Marketing Director said: “The projected attendance number is compelling evidence that this Sunday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final will be the biggest game of a very busy football weekend in the UK.
“The overwhelming response from fans to the opportunity to see their club play at Wembley in a major showpiece Final is an indicator of the continued high levels of support that Football League competitions receive.”
Ben Wilde, Brand and Sponsorship Manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: “We are delighted that the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has captured the imagination of supporters once again and that a huge crowd will be at Wembley to see one of the showpiece matches of the football season.
“We met thousands of supporters during our Trophy Tour and the excitement and anticipation was obvious. We hope they have a fantastic day.”
Fans wanting to be part of the biggest football crowd of the weekend and enjoy a day out at a Wembley showpiece final still have an opportunity to be there with tickets available on the day from Wembley. Tickets will be on sale for both sides priced between £20-£60 (subject to availability). Half-price concessions will also be available for fans aged 16 and under and senior citizens (60+).