The Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday released the monthly business turnover index for March, detailing the industries benefiting the most from consumer spending.
"Strong ground attendance at AFL events and an earlier start to the NRL season over March contributed to the rise in business turnover for arts and recreation services," ABS head of business indicators Robert Ewing said. The move followed the addition of 17th team the Dolphins, which meant bye rounds had to be taken into account.
This year's figure included the 88,084 who watched Richmond take on Carlton on March 16 and the 86,595 who saw Geelong verse Collingwood a day later."The season has started like no other, fantastic footy across the competition, record crowds, and a ladder that is unlike anything seen in recent years," AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in April.