Ranking The Top 10 MLS Matches By Attendance

The United States of America is a country that has a unique sports setup, but unfortunately, soccer has not been their top priority. But things have been changing and there is no denying that Major League Soccer (MLS), the official soccer first division for club football, continues to grow in North America, and fan attendances continue to rise as well across the league. More than 11 million soccer fans packed MLS stadiums across North America in 2024, setting a new attendance record for the league in its 29th season.

While the ever-growing star presence like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Marco Reus has helped with the attendance figures, the ever-growing popularity of the game and the increasing fanbase for the national team also helped with the attendance numbers, in turn improving the quality of the league. In this article, we explore which MLS Teams have had the highest attendance in their matches so far, exploring the reasons behind it and celebrating the success of the league.

Which MLS Teams Have the Highest Attendance?

10. Atlanta United FC – 71,874 – 22 October 2017

A thrilling regular-season finale for Atlanta United, who clinched a home playoff match in a record-breaking 2-2 draw with Toronto FC, a battle of two Eastern Conference powerhouses that entertained 71,874 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was the second time that year Atlanta had set the MLS single-game attendance record.

9. Atlanta United FC – 71,932 – 30 June 2018

Despite the 2018 FIFA World Cup capturing the eyeballs of the whole soccer fanbase on the planet, Atlanta United drew 71,932 fans into the stadium. The spectators were not disappointed, as they got to witness a 4-0 demolition of Orlando City SC thanks to a brace from Miguel Almiron and goals from Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco.

8. Atlanta United FC – 72,017 – 22 September 2018

Atlanta United, the top-scoring team in MLS at that time, proved to be too much on the day for Real Salt Lake as they fell 2-0 to halt a four-game unbeaten streak. Julian Gressel bagged a goal and an assist while 16-year-old George Bello put in a phenomenal shift in his first career start.

7. Atlanta United FC – 72,035 – 11 March 2018

Atlanta United opened up the full capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Sunday’s home opener vs. D.C. United, and the Five Stripes faithful packed the big house like they never have before. The official crowd of 72,035 at the colossal venue broke their own record and the result was as good as the record, with Atlanta clinching a 3-1 win.

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6. Atlanta United FC – 72,243 – 15 July 2018

Atlanta United opened up the full capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Sunday’s match against the Seattle Sounders, and the Five Stripes faithful again put their stamp on the MLS record books. The official crowd of 72,243 at the colossal venue breaks their own record, eclipsing the 72,035 who flocked to this season’s home opener against D.C. United.

5. Atlanta United FC – 72,548 – 3 August 2019

Atlanta United with a dominant home performance over the LA Galaxy in front of a record crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They broke their previous record of MLS attendance of 72,243 spectators against Seattle Sounders FC the previous season.

4. Sporting Kansas City – 72,610 – 13 April 2024

Sporting Kansas City hosted David Beckham‘s Inter Miami on 13th April 2024, with the latter boasting the best player of the sport, Lionel Messi, on their side. The Lionel Messi effect was in full force and Sporting Kansas hosted 72,610 fans in their stands. True to form, Messi more than lived up to his superstar billing, with a goal and an assist to seal the victory for his side.

3. Atlanta United FC – 73,019 – 8 December 2018

It was a historic night for Atlanta United for multiple reasons. Their extraordinary opening chapter came to the ideal conclusion for hometown fans on that night, as an MLS record 73,019 crowd saw them defeat Portland 2-0 to win the MLS Cup, in only their second year of existence.

2. Charlotte FC – 74,479 – 5 March 2022

Charlotte FC set the highest attendance at a Major League Soccer game with 74,479 fans, for their match against LA Galaxy at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It was also their debut home game at one of the best MLS stadiums, Bank of America Stadium, but it was LA Galaxy who ran out winners with a scoreline of 1–0.

1. LA Galaxy – 82,110 – 4 July 2023

El Trafico has always been a fixture to look out for in the MLS, as both sides are not just rivals but also some of the best teams in the league. It was only fair that the cross-town rivalry set the record on the 20th El Tráfico edition between them drew 82,110 fans, establishing a new MLS single-game attendance record on one of the most important days for the citizens of America.

List Of MLS Teams With The Highest Attendance

Rank	Team	Opponent	Attendence	Date	Result	Venue
1	LA Galaxy	Los Angeles FC	82,110	04-Jul-23	2–1	Rose Bowl
2	Charlotte FC	LA Galaxy	74,479	05-Mar-22	0-1	Bank of America Stadium
3	Atlanta United FC	Portland Timbers	73,019	08-Dec-18	2–0	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
4	Sporting Kansas City	Inter Miami CF	72,610	13-Apr-24	2–3	Arrowhead Stadium
5	Atlanta United FC	LA Galaxy	72,548	03-Aug-19	3–0	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
6	Atlanta United FC	Seattle Sounders FC	72,243	15-Jul-18	1–1	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
7	Atlanta United FC	D.C. United	72,035	11-Mar-18	3–1	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
8	Atlanta United FC	Real Salt Lake	72,017	22-Sep-18	2–0	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
9	Atlanta United FC	Orlando City SC	71,932	30-Jun-18	4–0	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
10	Atlanta United FC	Toronto FC	71,874	22-Oct-17	2-2	Mercedes-Benz Stadium

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