MLB attendance is down; rebuilding teams hit hard

[Ohiogal]

Attendance has been an issue for Major League Baseball once again in 2019. After watching attendance drop by four percent in 2018, the early returns don’t look promising.

According to USA Today, 12 teams averaged fewer fans in March and April than they did compared to last season. The Toronto Blue Jays lead the way with a staggering 33 percent decrease.

The Blue Jays are far from the only rebuilding team to lose fans. The Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, Royals and San Francisco Giants have been the five biggest attendance losers thus far. Of that group, only the Twins went out and made significant additions in the offseason.

It isn’t the weather either. As USA Today notes, there have been fewer postponements in 2019. The average temperature is also up compared to last season.

The one team trending in the right direction would be the Philadelphia Phillies. The team’s attendance is up 44 percent compared to last season. The Phillies went out and signed Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen in the offseason. They also acquired J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura in trades.

More: https://www.yahoo.com/sports/mlb-attendance-is-down-again-and-rebuilding-teams-are-getting-hit-hard-014951998.html

[exboyfil]

1. Virtually every comment references

the cost of attending a game. I haven't been to one in over 30 years, and I probably will never be to one again. Went to a bunch of Angels games as a kid. All you needed to do was eat a couple of jars of almonds for a free ticket. They even gave away a baseball bat during one promotion. That was a scary night as the audience pounded these full sized bats onto the ground during a rally.

[Ohiogal]

2. I agree, the cost is a big factor.

Just for my husband and me to see an Indians game, Tickets will run $100 to $120 for the two of us, because I can't sit in the open areas where the sun beats down on you, I did that once and almost fainted. Drive an hour and a half each way, so factor in the cost of gas..... pay $20-30 $ to park ..... food is ridiculously expensive ....and you are limited as to what you're allowed to bring in as far as refreshments. We both enjoy baseball, but just don't have that kind of $ to see games that often.

We'll stick to going to the local minor league team's games ..... 15 minute drive and $10 for a front row seat that you can buy the day of the game!