A variety of attendance records and milestones were accomplished by the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) in 2016. This season was a significant one for the Suns, as it was the first under owner Ken Babby, who made changes to the front office and the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville after taking over last September.
Attendance accomplishments by Suns fans in the franchise’s first season under new ownership included:
– Largest Opening Night Crowd (8,367) since 2007
– Double-A Baseball’s Highest Attendance (24,508) for the first four days of the 2016 MiLB season
– Highest Opening Series Attendance (26,336) since 2011
– Largest Single Crowd (10,238 on July 3) since 2012
– Largest Home Series Attendance (31,194 June 29-July 3) since 2013
– Four crowds over 6,600 after the Fourth of July, compared to one in 2015 and two in 2014 after the holiday
– Six crowds over 6,400 in the season’s second half, doubling the three in the second half of 2015
“We are extremely grateful for the incredible support of our fans and partners in the community in our first season,” said Suns owner Ken Babby. “Fans have come to learn that the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville is Northeast Florida’s home for affordable family fun.”
Despite seven home date rainouts – the most since the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville opened in 2003 – the average home attendance of 4,197 topped the average at 2015 home games (4,128).
“Suns fans weathered the storms this week and throughout the season, and their passionate dedication made this season FUNdamentally Different at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville,” said Suns General Manager Harold Craw. “We cannot wait to build on the first season of the new Suns and welcome our guests with even more excitement next spring!”