The low attendances in the Saudi Pro League have raised concerns, despite the continued influx of talent. For example, at a recent match between Al-Okhdood and Damac FC, only 560 fans were in attendance at the Prince Hathloul Sports City.
The match saw Damac FC secure a 2-1 victory, with Romanian international Nicolae Stanciu delivering a standout performance, scoring Damac’s opener. Similarly, a previous match at the King Salman Sport City Stadium also drew a small crowd, with just 294 fans present.
These low attendances are in contrast to the significant investments that Saudi Arabia has made in various sports such as boxing, football, tennis, F1, and golf with the aim of elevating its position in the global sporting arena. Despite the underwhelming attendance numbers, there is optimism for the future.
It is acknowledged that while some matches may draw smaller crowds, the league has seen record attendance at larger events and has even extended its reach to 147 countries through broadcasting. The focus remains on further developing the league to attract top talent and increase overall interest and engagement.
