The power of a basically new ballpark: The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) drew 435,839 fans to PNC Field this season, the best year at the gate since 2008.
In addition to the baseball attendance, a franchise-record 61 special events beyond baseball boosted the season-long attendance figure to 462,052.
With the ability to host events year-round, RailRiders team president/GM Rob Crain was happy with the success of this year’s turnout and hopes for even bigger numbers in 2014.
“This has been such a special year at PNC Field, not just for the team, but for the entire community,” Crain said. “From the first Opening Night, to The Office Wrap Party; from new mascots to a whole new look, it’s really been a dream come true. Now we’ll get to work on bringing even more folks out next year.”
With 435,839 fans attending games over 68 regular-season home openings, the SWB saw its best total and per-game average (6,409) since 2008. The RailRiders posted 25 fixed-seat sellouts in 2013 and had a number of other highlight numbers including:
- More kids came through PNC Field’s Family Fun Zone in 2013 than from 2007 to 2011 combined
- There were 28,442 $1 Bud Lights/Pepsis sold this season over 11 home games on Budweiser Thirsty Thursdays
- The team gave away 46,500 free items through its 18 giveaways
- 2,784 kids ate free over five Kids Eat Free Wednesday games
- Dollar Dog Nights led to 14,626 $1 hot dogs getting sold over six such dates
- The team shot off two hours and 20 minutes worth of fireworks
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