As we approach the end of the season, the two biggest success stories, the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) and El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), have one thing in common: a new ballpark.
No secret to the business strategy here: build a new ballpark and see a huge jump in attendance and fan interest. The Knights have drawn 9,655 fans a game, breaking attendance records along the way and jumpstarting the game in the Queen City. With a big crowd last night, the Chihuahuas have drawn 501,186 fans to Southwest University Park, with five games remaining in the inaugural season. Right now the Knights are leading the International League and all of Triple-A baseball in attendance; the Chihuahuas are currently fourth in Pacific Coast League attendance.
“To think that over half a million fans have attended 62 home games in El Paso is amazing and it truly shows the love our city has given its team and Southwest University Park,” said Brad Taylor, the Chihuahuas General Manger. “This is already the most exciting place to watch a Minor League game in the country. To all who believed and gave it a chance, thank you!”
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!