The 2024 Airtel Top 8 final between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe on Saturday not only provided a strong football show but broke the domestic football gate revenue record, grossing K116,454, 500.
The gross revenue has surpassed the K88.2 million which was realised during the 2024 FDH Bank round-of-16 match played at Kamuzu Stadium in July this year.
On top of that, Kamuzu Stadium capacity was reduced to 15,000 whereas BNS can accommodate over 40,000 spectators.
An advance ticket was selling at K5,000 whereas on match day, it was going at K7,000.
The VIP ticket was going at K20,000 whereas the corporate box was selling at K30,000.
The stadium was almost full to capacity.
This year’s gate revenue record signifies improved gate management system in domestic football.
For the first time in the competition, Football Association of Malawi (Fam), in conjunction with sponsors Airtel Malawi, implemented e-ticketing for all Top 8 matches where 60 percent of sales from the matches have emanated from e-ticketing via Airtel Money.
In addition, the fan engagement strategy has contributed to improved gate revenue.
The two teams pocketed K23.5 million each as part of their 25 percent cut whereas ground owners also got the same amount. This means Bullets are the biggest winners from the match after getting K53.5 million, having pocketed K30 million as prize money.
Silver have received K33.5 million from the match, having pocketed K10 million as runners-up.
Bullets Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Chigoga expressed satisfaction with the gate revenue.
“It is a huge step in the right direction. We would like to see the status quo sustained for a very long time,” Chigoga said.
On his part, Silver CEO Patrick Chimimba said the revenue was a true reflection of the turnout.
“We commend Fam and teams for aggressive marketing employed. The hype created motivated more fans to watch the match,” he said.
Fam got K18.8 million as part of its 20 percent cut whereas Malawi National Council of Sports pocketed K4 million.
The association’s president Fleetwood Haiya said he was also happy with the record-breaking revenue.
“The revenue gives us reason to believe that we are on a good trajectory. Our resolve is to keep improving our gate management systems to give teams enough resources,” Haiya said.
Bullets won a record third Airtel Top 8 title after beating Silver 1-0, thanks to Ernest Petro’s goal.
Meanwhile, some people were arrested for selling tickets on match day.
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