Average April Crowds Second Highest in 12 Years
Published on May 5, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1) News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. ¬"Minor League Baseball clubs averaged 3,817 fans a game through April, the second highest figure in the last dozen years through the industry ¬â¢s first full month. The average gathering of fans for the 1,508 openings is just one less than last year. Overall, MiLB attracted 5,756,547 fans through April.
The Florida State (13%), Pacific Coast (4.7%) and California (1.7%) Leagues all attracted more patrons this April than last.
Weather affected many of the 134 clubs in the 11 full-season leagues. There were 56 fewer openings this year compared to 2010. The Midwest League lost 34 games to weather in April, compared to six last year. Six other circuits also lost more games to Mother Nature than they did last year.
¬ÅMinor League Baseball attendance for April is encouraging, given the adversities with bad weather faced throughout most of the country, ¬Â Minor League Baseball President Pat O ¬â¢Conner said. ¬ÅWhile we celebrate the start of a new season, our hearts go out to the fans and communities suffering from the devastation of the recent storm outbreak.
¬ÅAs is our tradition, Minor League Baseball will continue to provide affordable family entertainment to our millions of fans and look after our extended family of fans facing difficult times in the aftermath of the recent natural disasters. ¬Â
The following clubs led their league in average attendance through April: International ¬"Louisville (8,222); Pacific Coast ¬"Round Rock (7,654); Mexican ¬"Saltillo (9,368); Eastern ¬"Richmond (5,986); Southern ¬"Jacksonville (4,975); Texas ¬"Frisco (7,602); California ¬"Lake Elsinore (3,560); Carolina ¬"Wilmington (4,679); Florida State ¬"Charlotte (2,844); Midwest ¬"Dayton (8,100); and South Atlantic ¬"Lakewood (5,132)
Fewer openings and the fact that this year ¬â¢s attendance figures involve two less clubs played roles in the overall attendance number being down a little over 200,000 fans compared to 2010. There are two clubs in the Mexican League that are currently dormant until suitable playing facilities can be found for them.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 5, 2011
- Albuquerque Barely Hangs on to Defeat Storm Chasers - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Sounds Swept After Another Last At-Bat Defeat - Nashville Sounds
- Redbirds' Error in 11th Gives Z's Walkoff Win - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sky Sox Rally for 9-6 Victory Over Grizzlies - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- 'Hawks Walk-Off Again, 4-3 - Oklahoma City Comets
- Round Rock Express - Series Highlights - May 6-9 Vs. Nashville - Round Rock Express
- Hosmer to Join Kansas City Royals Friday - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Ag Night, Nisei Baseball Tribute Highlight Homestand - Fresno Grizzlies
- Hunter to Make Rehab Start at Round Rock Monday - Round Rock Express
- Round Rock Express Claim Series at Iowa - Round Rock Express
- Average April Crowds Second Highest in 12 Years - PCL1
- I-Cubs Fall to Express in Finale - Iowa Cubs
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Fireworks, Reading Club Games Highlight Sounds Eight-Game Homestand - Nashville Sounds
- RedHawks Make Roster Moves - Oklahoma City Comets
- Round Rock Express Mobile App Now Available - Round Rock Express
- Round Rock Express Game Notes May 5 - Round Rock Express
- Wellemeyer Activated, Trinidad Released - Iowa Cubs
- Padres Fall to Rainiers Despite Four-Run Ninth Inning - Tucson Padres
- Rainiers Rally Past Tucson 7-6 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Omaha Hammers Isotopes 11-4 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Las Vegas Hangs On for 4-3 Win Over Reno - Reno Aces
- Balanced Attack Leads Storm Chasers Over Albuquerque - Omaha Storm Chasers
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