September 19 – New data from Mastercard’s Economics Institute (MEI) detailed a significant economic boost for the local community, driven by Arsenal Women’s growing popularity.
Throughout the Gunners’ last season, spending in bars and restaurants around the Emirates Stadium rose by as much as 44% for the game against Manchester United Women and rose by 16% on average across the six match days plays last season.
This insight is good news for the local area, as Arsenal Women are set to play a minimum of 11 games at the Emirates in the 2024/2025 season.
Natalia Lechmanova, chief economist, Europe, at Mastercard Economics Institute, said: “In today’s “experience economy”, interest in sports tournaments and other live events continues to grow. Football remains the most popular sport globally, and in recent years we have seen a growing interest in women’s football in particular.
“Our event analysis of Arsenal Women’s games played in the UK last season showed that the matches significantly lifted the bar and restaurant spend within 1km of the stadium by 16% and 15%, respectively. Those are impressive figures, and we look forward to seeing what the next season brings!”
Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, said: “Mastercard has been part of our women’s team journey for more than five years and during this time we’ve seen an extraordinary increase in our matchday attendances, especially at Emirates Stadium.
“Last season, our average attendance across six WSL games at the Emirates was more than 52,000, and this research brings to light the shared pride that’s felt across our club and our local community as we continue to grow the women’s game.
“This season, we take another step forward with 11 women’s matches coming to Emirates Stadium, making it the main home of our women’s team. We want to bring even more supporters to Islington to connect with our home and drive our team forwards.”
Arsenal Women begin their WSL campaign versus Manchester City Women at the Emirates on Sunday, whilst their male counterparts visit the Cityzens in Manchester in the Premier League on the same day.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734896762labto1734896762ofdlr1734896762owedi1734896762sni@g1734896762niwe.1734896762yrrah1734896762