Capped by more than 10,000 fans on Sunday, this past weekend was a busy one at Coca-Cola Park, as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) set a new franchise record.
The numbers are quite impressive. The turnout of 10,100 on Sunday was preceded by 9,612 fans on Saturday, which followed marks of 8,419 and 8,852 on Friday and Thursday respectively. That amounts to an average of 9,246 fans through the IronPigs’ first four openings, the fastest start in franchise history.
While the attendance figures are strong, they are in some ways unsurprising. Coca-Cola Park has been one of the busiest ballparks in Minor League Baseball since it opened for the IronPigs in 2008, making the team one of the most consistent draws in baseball. In fact, the IronPigs are coming off a season in which they drew over 613,815 fans, good for fifth in all of the minors.
Given their first start, overall track record, and upcoming promotions, it is easy to see the IronPigs finishing the season either at, or near, the top of the International League in attendance. A few of the team’s promotions for this season have already been highlighted here, most notably the June 10 Salute to Philadelphia Night, in which the team will become the Lehigh Valley Cheesesteaks.