The Elite Ice Hockey League has recorded its highest ever attendance for a fourth consecutive season, with over one million fans attending games during the 2025/26 campaign.

A total of 1,321,128 supporters came through arena doors across the season, with an average of 3,863 per game –another new league record.

The continued rise reflects growing demand across the EIHL, with multiple teams reporting year-on-year increases and strong ticket sales throughout the campaign.

Half of the league’s 10 teams recorded average crowds of more than 3,000, while regular sell-outs were seen across several teams, underlining the strength of support throughout the league and continuing to produce some of the biggest crowds in European ice hockey.

That demand was also reflected in the EIHL’s showpiece events, with both the Challenge Cup Final and Playoff Finals Weekend selling out and delivering packed arenas and standout atmospheres across the biggest games of the season.

Sheffield Steelers once again recorded the league’s highest average attendance, welcoming 8,122 fans per game, whilst also posting the highest attendance in Elite League history when 9,512 fans attended the annual Boxing Day classic against the Nottingham Panthers.

Mark Brooks, Head of Commercial Operations for the Elite Ice Hockey League, said:

“To break our attendance record for a fourth consecutive season is a significant milestone for the league and a real credit to our teams and fans.”

“The atmosphere across the Elite League this season has been outstanding and the continued growth in crowds shows the momentum the sport is building right now.”

With season tickets for 2026/27 already on sale across the league, early demand suggests that momentum is set to continue into next season.