Sunderland and Coventry set new EFL play-off record | OneFootball

Sunderland and Coventry City yesterday shattered the record for the highest combined attendance across a two-legged Championship semi-final - bedlam greeting the final whistle at the Stadium of Light after Dan Ballard's strike late in extra-time sent the Black Cats to Wembley.

An impressive 77,923 fans watched the Regis Le Bris' side edge past Frank Lampard's Sky Blues over the two legs - surpassing the previous high of 77,729 set when Sunderland played Sheffield Wednesday home and away three seasons ago.

Sunderland's 2-1 first leg win at Coventry’s CBS Arena brought in a crowd of 31,293, while the dramatic 1-1 draw in the return leg at the Stadium of Light last night welcomed 46,630 spectators to help set a new benchmark.

This new record underlines the fervent backing both teams enjoy, but it is Sunderland - who now need to beat Sheffield United to secure Premier League status - that averaged the highest attendance in the EFL throughout the regular season.

The Black Cats averaged a gigantic 40,675 per home game this season in the Championship, while Birmingham (26,326) and Bradford (17,762) topped the attendance charts in League One and League Two respectively.

Here is a rundown of the highest average attendances per EFL division in 2024/25.

Highest average Championship attendances (2024/25)

Highest average L1 attendances (2024/25)

Highest average L2 attendances (2024/25)