The Lowell Spinners (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) are looking to build on some recent momentum, as the team is seeing some positive trends develop.
The Spinners have had a distinct history in the New York-Penn League, a run that includes a 413-game sell out streak that lasted from 1999-2010. In recent years, however, the Spinners had experienced a decline in season ticket sales.
Last June, Main Street Baseball and owner Dave Heller completed a purchase of the Spinners. In the time since, the team has discussed potential upgrades to LeLacheur Park, agreed to a new 10-year lease with Lowell, and has sought to increase community interest in the team.
According to general manager Shawn Smith, the Spinners are seeing some progress. Sales for group outings and tickets have increased, as has corporate marketing. In the early phases of the 2017 season, Smith says that the Spinners are in a position to build on that momentum. More from The Lowell Sun:
Smith says the team is on pace to have the second-best corporate sales year in its 21-year existence. It is on pace to set an all-time record in marketing partnerships.
The new patio area, updated suites and excellent food are all part of the plan, as well. Ballpark improvements will keep coming with the new lease. Bobblehead dolls and certain other promotions are as popular as ever but they’re not the solution to lagging ticket sales.
“There’s been a decline in season tickets over the last three and a half years,” said Smith. “Each year, decline, decline, decline. For the first time in three and a half years we’ve put a stop to that and turned it in a positive direction.
“We’ve already surpassed last year’s season ticket numbers and we’re trending upwards.”
Smith also credited new assistant general manager Brian Radle—who joined the team from the Wilmington Blue Rocks (High A; Carolina League) last September–with helping to manage the ticketing and marketing sides. The Spinners announced a new lease agreement last month, indicating that the deal will lead to several LeLacheur Park upgrades, including new lighting and an overhauled playing surface. Prior to this season, the club unveiled new logos and branding.