The Black and Whites host Castleford Tigers this Sunday afternoon.
Hull FC face Castleford Tigers in their Super League opener this Sunday afternoon, aiming for their biggest non-derby crowd since Good Friday 2017.
After a strong membership and ticket campaign, including a member’s double offer, Hull Live understands the club are expecting a matchday attendance of at least 13,000 fans with those numbers potentially soaring even further over the next few days.
Selling over 7,500 memberships, tickets are still on sale for the clash at the MKM Stadium with the East Stand entirely sold out and sections of the South and West Stands close to capacity. The North Stand is also available to purchase tickets in for the first time.
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Still within a chance of getting close to the 14,000 mark, Hull are feeling optimistic, although the next milestone is thought to be dependent on how many Castleford fans make the short trip to East Yorkshire.
Regardless, Hull are set for the biggest gate of the opening Super League round, with the club believing they have already beaten last year’s home opener attendance total of 12,673 when St Helens came to town.
A testament to the current feel-good factor under new head coach Tony Smith, not to mention four of five new signings who are set to make their competitive club debuts against Lee Radford’s side, Hull are aiming for their third-highest non-derby attendance of the last decade.
Whilst the 17,543 that watched the Warrington game in 2016 and 15,487 against Leeds for the Easter clash in 2017 are off the mark, Hull have a chance of exceeding the 13,704 total that saw the first game of the 2018 season against Huddersfield.
That’s the aim with Hull hoping to make the most of their weekend fixtures this year. They will have plenty going on in and around the stadium before Sunday’s game, with club legend Steve Norton delivering the match ball ahead of kick-off in what is sure to be an atmospheric reception. Tickets are still available at ticketing.hullfc.com
Hull’s top five biggest non-derby crowds at MKM Stadium since 2013
2016 – Warrington: 17,453
2017 – Leeds: 15,487
2018 – Huddersfield: 13,704
2018 – Castleford: 13,628
2017 – Catalans: 13,544
Hull’s top five biggest non-derby crowds at MKM Stadium since 2003
2003 – Bradford: 19,549
2005 – Leeds: 17,080
2004 – Leeds: 16,528
2007 – Wigan: 16,291
2010 – Leeds: 16,208
