The 2023 Asian Cup Breaks The Record Of Spectators At The Stadium

Qatar's 2023 Asian Cup set a new record number of spectators (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - The 2023 Asian Cup set a record for live spectators at the stadium in 68 years in the history of organizing tournaments.

There were a total of about 1.06 million spectators after 63,753 fans packed the Al Bayt Stadium in the Qatar vs Palestine match in the round of 16 on Monday, January 29, 2024.

The 18th edition of the Asian Cup officially surpassed the previous record number of spectators of almost two decades ago when the tournament was held in China in 2004. "From the start, we knew that the 2023 Asian Cup would be the most accessible and interesting edition in tournament history. Football has indisputable power in uniting society. This is the most real thing here, in Qatar, on the most prestigious stage in Asia," said Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Datuk Serie Windsor John. "This achievement is an award to our passionate fans and our dear friends from the Qatar Football Association and the 2023 Asian Cup Local Organizing Committee."

"AFC wants to express deep gratitude to all stakeholders and the public. Qatar for its unmatched and warm hospitality," said Datuk Seri Windsor John on the AFC website. For Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the 2023 Asian Cup Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the audience attendance record is proof of Qatar's ability to host world-class sporting events.

"Once again, Qatar has reaffirmed its position as a global sporting center. Our modern infrastructure and operational experience have allowed us to host another culturally accessible and attractive tournament with the highest standards." "We are pleased to set this early record in the tournament. With the remaining 11 matches, the best yet to come, with many teams showing outstanding performances. "After 40 matches, the 2023 Asian Cup, which has also recently surpassed the historic figure of 1.5 billion in terms of digital engagement, currently ranks second in the average attendance graph with 26.672 fans present per match. This latest milestone marks the second time the audience attendance benchmark has been reached in Qatar. Previously, Qatar scored a new record in Asian Cup history with 82,490 spectators present for the opening match between Qatar vs Lebanon at the Lusail Stadium on January 12, 2024.