It was another big year for the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low A; Midwest League), who set multiple attendance records in 2016. That was team’s eighth season at Parkview Field.
The TinCaps finished the 2016 season with a total attendance of 413,701 fans. That surpassed both the previous regular season high of 406,715 (2014) and the previous overall high, including postseason games, of 411,028 (2014).
Friday’s home finale crowd of 7,597—Parkview Field’s 21st sell-out of the year—pushed the final average attendance at Parkview Field this season to 6,084 fans per game across 68 openings. That also broke the former high of 5,971 (2015).
“It’s really amazing to sit here and reflect on another tremendous and record-setting season,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “We owe so much to our fans and the great City of Fort Wayne. We’ve said it before, and we really believe we have the best fans in Minor League Baseball.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of Mike Nutter and our entire TinCaps’ staff,” said Jason Freier, Managing Owner of the TinCaps. “Everything about our time in Fort Wayne—the fans, the City, Parkview Field and the new energy downtown—has greatly exceeded our expectations.”
Breaking the regular season and overall records is all the more impressive considering the TinCaps lost two games to rain in 2016. The team eclipsed the 400,000-fans milestone in total attendance for the fifth consecutive season and seventh time in the eight seasons at Parkview Field.
“Congratulations to the Fort Wayne TinCaps and thank you to the visitors to Parkview Field for making this a memorable and record-breaking attendance season,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the growth and momentum we’re seeing in the heart of the City. A big reason for that success is due to the popularity of the TinCaps. We’re fortunate to be part of a community that values and appreciates baseball.”
The TinCaps’ average attendance of 6,084 finished the year ranked second among the 100 Single-A/Rookie teams and higher than 28 of 30 Double-A clubs and 12 of 30 Triple-A organizations.
“This record, despite playing fewer games than the 2014 season, is a testament to the great family experience provided by the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Parkview Field,” said Mike Packnett, President and CEO, Parkview Health. “They continue to be a great partner for Parkview, but also a wonderful partner within the community. Congrats to the TinCaps and thanks to all who continue to show their support for the organization.”
Earlier this year, fans voted Parkview Field the Best Class A Ballpark in the country in a poll run by Ballpark Digest. Parkview Field is also the reigning No. 1 Minor League Ballpark Experience in the country according to Stadium Journey.
“As a proud Hoosier myself I am so pleased to see both of the Indiana Midwest League Clubs are setting attendance records this year,” said Midwest League President Dick Nussbaum. The bar for attendance is very high in our League and Fort Wayne continues to meet and exceed that bar. Jason Freier and Mike Nutter along with the entire TinCap family are at the very pinnacle of ownership and operations in all of Minor League Baseball. Congratulations to Jason, Mike, their staff and most importantly to the Fort Wayne fans who continue to flock to Parkview Field and support in such a phenomenal way the Padres, Midwest League, and Minor League Baseball.”
Parkview Field featured several new enhancements in 2016. A group seating area called The Summit, presented by Tuthill, was added atop the Tuthill 400 Club in center field. The TinCaps also expanded protective safety netting from behind home plate to the far ends of both dugouts. Even the ballpark’s concourse was resurfaced.
“The Fort Wayne TinCaps represent everything that is great about Minor League Baseball,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “The team is invested in the Fort Wayne community and it is no surprise the community supports the team at the level they have. My congratulations go out to Jason Freier and the ownership group, as well as Mike Nutter and his top-flight staff for this tremendous accomplishment.”
Highest Total Attendance (Including Postseason Games) in Parkview Field History
- 413,701 (2016)
- 411,028 (2014)
- 410,458 (2013)
- 408,044 (2012)
- 407,394 (2010)
Highest Average Attendance in Parkview Field History
- 6,084 (2016)
- 5,971 (2015)
- 5,810 (2014)
- 5,785 (2010)
- 5,766 (2013)