This weekend marks another exciting chapter in Ugandan football, with a lineup of thrilling matches set to captivate fans across the country. Among the highly anticipated fixtures are clashes between Bul FC and SC Villa at the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru, as well as Vipers SC hosting KCCA FC at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Bul, Villa, Vipers, and Kitara FC are currently the frontrunners in the 2023/24 league title race, with only six points separating them. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on these teams to see how the title run-in unfolds.
However, beyond the excitement of the league title race, the upcoming Super Friday holds additional significance. For the third consecutive time, the clash between Vipers and KCCA will be played at night, a scheduling arrangement that has proven to be highly lucrative for the Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs in terms of revenue generation.
The rivalry between Vipers and KCCA has been a major draw for football fans over the past nine years. With eight out of the last nine championships won by either Vipers or KCCA, matches between these two teams consistently attract large crowds and intense anticipation.
In the first round encounter between KCCA and Vipers, held under floodlights, the match reportedly generated a gate collection of over Shs 50 million. This significant revenue is a testament to the popularity and commercial viability of night games in Ugandan football.
Night games offer several advantages over daytime fixtures, particularly in terms of fan attendance and engagement. With many supporters unable to attend matches during traditional 4 pm kick-offs due to work commitments, evening matches provide a more convenient option, leading to higher turnout and increased ticket sales.
According to Moses Magero, the publicist for KCCA, night games have witnessed a surge in attendance as fans find it easier to attend matches after work hours. The later kick-off times also help alleviate traffic congestion, further encouraging fans to attend stadium events.
The financial impact of night games is particularly pronounced for clubs like NEC FC, a newly promoted side in the UPL. An official from NEC FC revealed that the club experienced a threefold increase in gate collections during night games compared to daytime fixtures.
For instance, when NEC FC faced Gaddafi FC in a daytime match, they collected only Shs 2 million in ticket sales. However, during a night game against Wakiso Giants, the club earned approximately Shs 10 million, highlighting the significant revenue potential of evening fixtures.
Similarly, SC Villa executive Sarah Adong noted that weekend games tend to attract larger crowds compared to weekday matches. For example, when Express hosted KCCA on a Saturday at Wankulukuku Stadium, they reportedly collected Shs 25 million in gate receipts, underscoring the financial benefits of scheduling matches on weekends.
Overall, the success of night league games in boosting revenue for UPL clubs underscores the importance of strategic scheduling in maximizing commercial opportunities and enhancing the spectator experience. As clubs continue to explore innovative ways to generate income, night football stands out as a promising avenue for growth in Ugandan football.
