The growth of Crystal Palace over the years hasn’t just taken place on the pitch. The Eagles are renowned for their passionate fanbase, who have been patient and prepared to wait for major success.
Thousands flocked to Wembley and watched Palace achieve FA Cup glory last season. A famous 1-0 victory over Manchester City, courtesy of an Eberechi Eze winner, is the greatest day in the club’s history.
Palace’s support extends beyond South London, and that fairytale story caught the imagination of football fans across the globe. It seems that American fans have particularly taken a liking to the Selhurst Park outfit.
Americans love Palace
A survey conducted by Men In Blazers has revealed that the Palace have one of the strongest followings in America. In fact, the Eagles are among the top 10 most supported Premier League clubs in the USA.
Palace ranks ninth in the list with 3% of American fans supporting the FA Cup holders. They reportedly have as many fans across the pond as Manchester City and Fulham.
To put it in perspective, the South Londoners have more American fans than Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United. They are also above Leeds United according to the MiBMN survey, as the Peacocks came in 10th with 1%.
Liverpool are the most popular English top-flight club with Americans at 22%. The Premier League champions are followed by Arsenal (16%), Chelsea (13%) and Manchester United (7%).
Tottenham Hotspur are in fifth with 6%, and Everton come in sixth with 5%. It just goes to show the club’s growing popularity worldwide.
Palace’s American growth
There are several factors behind Palace’s strong support in America, not least Premier League exposure in the USA. American broadcasters have focused on English football to grow the sport in the country.
This has made watching the Eagles more accessible, and recent success, such as the FA Cup win, explains how this has had a positive impact. There is also the underdog appeal, which had most neutral fans following Glasner’s men’s journey to the trophy.
Selhurst Park’s atmosphere is regarded as one of the loudest, with a grassroots feel. Americans may appreciate the club’s culture, presenting itself as an old-school English football club.
Another factor might be the use of the 25,486-capacity stadium in the popular US TV series Ted Lasso. It has served as the primary filming location for AFC Richmond’s ‘Nelson Road.’
Palace on the up
The survey indicates that Palace are becoming one of English football’s biggest clubs. Had MiBMN polled its American audience a decade ago, there would have been little chance of seeing the Eagles make the list.
Even with Glasner headed for the exit door, it’s clear that the South London outfit is moving in the right direction off the pitch. It’s a positive sign that the board’s vision is working and continuing to build on recent highs, such as the FA Cup win, which will be key.
The Europa Conference League participation this season is helping put Palace in the spotlight across Europe. Glasner’s men recently visited Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar, and their fans will have seen just how raucous the club’s supporters can get.
