Rugby League Enthusiasts Flock to Craven Park as Hull KR Soar
In a testament to the growing popularity of rugby league, Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin has spoken about the remarkable developments at the club’s home ground, Craven Park. The Robins have seen an impressive surge in fan engagement, with their club-record 8,000 members now exceeding the average attendance at Craven Park in 2022.
The East Stand has been completely sold out of memberships, with only 300 seats being available for general sale per game. Lakin attributes this success to the club’s focus on providing an engaging experience for fans, beyond just the on-field action.
“We need to provide something that, apart from the product on the pitch, is something that people want to enjoy and Craven Streat has clearly been a huge success for us,” Lakin told the BBC during the half-time break of the Leigh Leopards game.
The Craven Streat, a fan park within the stadium, has become a social hub for supporters, with Lakin describing it as a “real social event before and after the game.” The American-style “carnival” atmosphere has transformed what was once the weakest part of the ground into a true strength.
On-field Success Fuels Fan Engagement
The Robins’ on-field success has also played a pivotal role in the surge in fan engagement. Currently sitting fourth in the Super League table, just two points behind league leaders Catalans Dragons, Hull KR have progressed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, a year after reaching the final.
“The product is the team on the pitch,” Lakin acknowledged. “We’ve got a strong team going well – so 8,000 members, the last six league games have been a sell-out, going from last season into this season, so yeah. We’re going very well.”
Exploring Expansion Options
With Craven Park’s current capacity of 12,225 putting it eighth in Super League, the club is now exploring further development options, including a potential extension to the East Stand. Lakin sees this as a “great problem to have” and is confident they will resolve the capacity issue for the next season.
The growth of rugby league’s popularity at Craven Park is mirrored by similar developments at other Super League venues, such as Wheldon Road and Stade Gilbert Brutus, as the sport continues to captivate audiences across the country.
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