Smokies Welcome Four Millionth Fan to Smokies Stadium
Published on July 2, 2015 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
KODAK - The Tennessee Smokies welcomed their four millionth fan in Smokies Stadium history on Thursday evening prior to their contest against the Montgomery Biscuits, with Allen Berry of Knoxville, Tennessee earning the distinction. Since the ballpark's first ever contest on April 20, 2000, the Smokies have averaged over 3,700 fans per contest since its inception.
"I tell you, it's amazing," Berry said after learning of the honor. "I love coming to the ballpark and this is really special. I never expected anything like this. This is really special. I want to tahnk everyone at the ballpark, this has been fantastic."
The milestone comes just less than a year after the team set a single-season attendance record after welcoming 283,038 fans through the gates over the course of the 2014 campaign, while also averaging over 4,000 fans per game for the first time in the franchise's history.
For being Smokies Stadium's four millionth fan, Berry took home a prize pack that included tickets to many local East Tennessee attractions such as Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood, Wonderworks and a Zipline Adventure for two, in addition to a gift card from Calhoun's complete with a sauce box, a gift certificate from Food City, and merchandise from the Smokies' Clubhouse Shop. Berry was also awarded a customized jersey with "Four Million" on the back.
The ballpark has undergone numerous enhancements over the past couple of years to even further improve the fan experience, including one-of-a-kind group areas. In addition to a makeover of the suite level last season, Calhoun's At The Yard, a premium group area that provides an all-you-can-eat buffett catered by Calhoun's, was opened. The team also revamped their third base restaurant into the Smoky Mountain Brewery Bullpen, which serves cuisine from Smoky Mountain Brewery, while also building the brand-new Pioneer Porch in right field. Thanks in part to the enchancements, Smokies Stadium was chosen as the only Southern League venue to host a live national television audience on CBS Sports Network's Minor League Baseball Game of the Week on Thursday, June 18.
Coming into this evening, the Smokies have welcomed 139,891 fans through the gates this season, and are averaging over 4,200 guests over 33 openings. The team is once again on pace to smash their single-season attendance average, with their current mark beating the 4,102 fans per game average set during the 2014 campaign. The club has also set a new single-game franchise attendance record twice over the course of the season, including most recently on June 19 when the Smokies welcomed 7,805 fans for their matchup against the Mississippi Braves.
The Smokies are currently in the midst of a three-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The two teams are expected to face off in a doubleheader Friday evening to conclude their three-game set, with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. ET. As part of the club's Red, White & Boom Homestand, the Smokies will be celebrating Independence Day a day early with a post-game fireworks show after the conclusion of the second game of the evening.
Tickets for Friday evening, as well as remaining home contests at Smokies Stadium, are on sale and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.
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