SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Suns prepare to welcome 1,000,000th fan to Baseball Grounds

Published on June 16, 2005 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Just halfway through the team's third season at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Suns are preparing to welcome the 1,000,000th fan to walk through the gates for a Suns game since the ballpark was opened in April, 2003.

Suns attendance at the Baseball Grounds has been nothing less than remarkable over the past three years. In the ballpark's inaugural 2003 season, the team drew 359,979 fans, setting an all-time Jacksonville baseball attendance mark, as well as achieving the second highest attendance total in Southern League history. However, in 2004, Suns fans proved they could do better, as the team welcomed 420,495 fans through the gates, again setting a Jacksonville mark and giving the Suns the second and third-best attendance figures in league history.

Through the last home game on Sunday, June 12, the Suns have drawn 194,892 in 2005, giving the team a three-year total of 975,366, just 24,634 fans short of 1,000,000. With five home games left in June, the team could see the milestone hit before the month is over, or certainly during the pre-July 4th weekend which culminates in the birthday celebration of Suns owner Peter Bragan, Sr. on July 3, a perennial sell-out game.

"Reaching this number so quickly is better than anything I could have dreamed of," said Suns General Manager Peter Bragan, Jr. "It truly is a testament to the fans that have proved to be so loyal and the fact that the Baseball Grounds is one of the finest ballparks in all the land. We hope the fans continue to come out in droves and help us reach two million even faster!"

The Suns are planning to celebrate the 1,000,000th fan with a special prize package and recognition on the field before a game.

The Suns are currently embroiled in a heated race for the Southern League South Division first half title and a berth in the playoffs. Tickets for the Suns next homestand, June 16-19 against divisional foe Montgomery Biscuits are currently on sale at the Suns box office or online at www.jaxsuns.com.

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Southern League Stories from June 16, 2005


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