MLS Playoffs Draw Second-Highest Average Attendance In League History

MLS averaged 19,891 fans per game during the playoffs this season, marking the second-highest average in league history. This year's average is second only to '09, when the league drew 23,559 fans per game and was buoyed by 46,011 fans for the MLS Cup at CenturyLink Field. This postseason had the introduction of a Wild Card round, which marked the first change to the playoff format since '03. The Sounders' lone home game against Real Salt Lake in the second leg of the Western Conference semifinals was the top draw among all games during the playoffs (36,021). The lowest draws belonged to the Rapids' two home games at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Both matches drew fewer than 10,000 fans despite the team being the defending MLS champion. Listed below is an attendance trend for the MLS Playoffs dating back to the start of the league in '96 (THE DAILY).