America’s national recession apparently hasn’t touched America’s national pastime, at least not in spring training. Attendance at exhibition games in Florida and Arizona was up two percent through 154 contests as of last week, not including games with World Baseball Classic national teams which have drawn well.
Grapefruit and Cactus League games were averaging 5,659 fans per opening through last weekend, an increase over the 5,548 turnstile clicks per contest in 2008. The New York Yankees drew 10,685 for their first four home games in Tampa, tops in the majors, followed by the 9,866 average for the Chicago Cubs after eight games in Arizona.
The Cubs are the top draw away from home, averaging 7,879 fans on the road. The top road draw in the Grapefruit League is Tampa Bay, with 7,749 turning out in Florida parks.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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