"Leicester Tigers enjoy magnificent support," said club managing director David Clayton.

"Over the years this club has set the benchmarks in terms of attendances and an average of more than 17,000 for the season sets another new mark.

"The Clubhouse Stand allowed for an increased capacity this season and enabled us to make more tickets available to supporters on a match-by-match basis."

Fans finished the home season in style with their support in the victory over Harlequins which sealed a place in the Guinness Premiership play-offs and secured Heineken Cup qualification for another season.

"The passion and commitment of Leicester Tigers supporters was fully demonstrated in the victory over Harlequins when the noise at Welford Road was incredible," said Clayton.

"The directors, coaching staff and players have commented on that and it certainly played its part in encouraging the team to a vital victory, especially in the closing minutes."

The match against the Classic All Blacks on Sunday, May 25 will allow supporters a final chance to watch senior rugby at Welford Road this season - before stadium redevelopment work starts in the summer.

"Demand for tickets at Welford Road has consistently out-stripped the number of places available in the stadium and that is why the club is pressing ahead with the redevelopment plans," added Clayton.

"The first phase of redevelopment features a 10,000-capacity stand on the north side of the stadium, taking capacity up to 23,000.

"Starting this summer, preliminary work will be done around the outside of the stadium, with the current seating unaffected in 2008/09.

"Completion of the entire stadium redevelopment will take capacity up to 30,000."