With 13 games left on the home schedule, the Columbia Fireflies (Low A; Sally League) have set a season attendance record — 261,691 with only 53 home games played this season.
While the presence of Tim Tebow in the lineup surely boosted the Fireflies attendance — as well as attendance across the Sally League — there was little doubt this year’s attendance would surpass last year’s attendance total from the Spirit Communications Park inaugural season.
“The atmosphere at Spirit Communications Park this season has been absolutely electric,” said Fireflies president John Katz. “We have seen some of the best crowds in this ballpark’s history, and it’s a testament to the passionate Fireflies fans across the Midlands. We have the greatest fans in the South Atlantic League, and we’re truly privileged to share this park with everyone who attends a ballgame.”
Columbia has averaged 4,938 fans per game thus far in 2017, up from an average of 3,785 fans per game in 2016. The 4,938 fans per game puts Columbia in the top three in average attendance in the South Atlantic League.
There have been 23 crowds this season of 5,000 or more, 14 of 6,000 or more and seven of 7,000 or more. The Fireflies have also sold out six games thus far in 2017. The largest crowd of the season (8,412) was on hand for Opening Night on April 6.
Largest Crowds in Spirit Communications Park history:
- Monday, July 4, 2016 – 9,228
- Thursday, April 14, 2016 – 9,077
- Thursday, April 6, 2017 – 8,412
- Sunday, June 25, 2017 – 8,304
- Saturday, June 10, 2017 – 7,861
Spirit Communications Park was our Ballpark of the Year in 2016.