The New England Revolution are expecting over 30,000 fans for Saturday's home game against Atlanta United. Head coach Marko Mitrovic called it "amazing."
The Revs launched a "Next Match on Us" initiative in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup. The program offered free tickets to individuals who haven't attended a Revs game. Approximately 10,000 people will take advantage of the offer this weekend.
"I just feel very happy and proud of that, and we’re welcoming those people," Mitrovic said. "It’s great, that’s a part of our game that we cannot separate. We play this game for the fans, and having such a big crowd there, it’s beautiful and I’m very happy with that.”
Teams around the league are looking to take advantage of the excitement of hosting a World Cup. Historically, domestic leagues have seen a 9% bump in attendance, according to the Guardian.
Carles Gil noted that he encountered some Spaniards who came here for the World Cup and stayed for Wednesday's Revs game.
"I think MLS has very good fans," Gil said. "In almost every stadium you go to, they’re pushing for the team. We’re in a good point, but for sure we will keep going."
Mitrovic stated that he would love to have a packed stadium every week, but also understands that it comes with positive results.
"We have to earn our crowd, it’s not going to be given to us, and if people start believing in us more and what we are doing, then the cause of that is having more people in the stands," Mitrovic said.
