For the second time in two seasons, the Johnson City Cardinals (Rookie; Appalachian League) set a team attendance record, attracting 53,445 fans so far in the 2017 season.
The record was set last season. Last year’s single-season attendance mark broke the previous record that stood for 14 years. when 48,038 fans came to the yard in 1994.
In addition, the Cardinals have also broken their single-game attendance high multiple times over the past two seasons. Most recently, the high-water mark was set on July 3 against the Pulaski Yankees when 3,549 fans flocked to the ballpark to enjoy a Dollar Monday and Independence Day fireworks.
At the team’s current pace, Johnson City is set to obliterate their previous franchise-record for single-season attendance. Based on their current average of 1,931 fans, which is also an organizational-best, the Cardinals will welcome 63,717 patrons to TVA Credit Union Ballpark in 2017. That mark would surpass last year’s franchise-high by over 10,000 fans.
“To set the single season attendance record back to back is a testament to this community and how they support their Johnson City Cardinals,” said Cardinals VP/GM Tyler Parsons. “It’s because of our amazing fans that we are able to keep growing this organization. And because of our growth, we’re going to keep looking at ways to enhance this facility and improve the fan experience.”
These records came after Boyd Sports, LLC took over operation of the franchise prior to the 2016 campaign. Boyd Sports also owns the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League).
Photo by Mark Cryan.