Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 30, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Tuesday, August 30, 2016:

Total Attendance: 456

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 67
  • Attendance: SUSPENDED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Tampa Yankees

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 67
  • Attendance: 456
  • Starting Pitcher: Mitch Keller
  • Opponent: Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: James Buckelew
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,340
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 759
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 594
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 456
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 29, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Monday, August 29, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,127

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: 491
  • Starting Pitcher: Luis Santos
  • Opponent: Tampa Yankees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Yefrey Ramirez
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 770
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,108
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 521
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 564
  • Promotions (if any): None
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: 636
  • Starting Pitcher: Austin Coley
  • Opponent: Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jeff Brigham
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,354
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 802
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 723
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,359
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 28, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Sunday, August 28, 2016:

Total Attendance: 2,397

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 68
  • Attendance: 720
  • Starting Pitcher: Justus Sheffield
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Kodi Medeiros
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,171
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 978
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 911
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 675
  • Promotions (if any): Family Funday
  • Other local events: None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: CANCELLED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 64 / 65
  • Attendance: 1,677
  • Starting Pitcher: Yeudy Garcia / Buddy Borden
  • Opponent: Charlotte Stone Crabs
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Greg Harris / Greg Maisto
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,365
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,735
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,075
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,728 / 1,061
  • Promotions (if any): Family Fun Sunday

No other area games played.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 27, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Saturday, August 27, 2016:

Total Attendance: 2,769

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 67
  • Attendance: 1,374
  • Starting Pitcher: Sean Carley
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Cody Pence
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,178
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,022
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,975
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,374
  • Promotions (if any): Fireworks / Fan Appreciation Night
  • Other local events:

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 64
  • Attendance: POSTPONED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Charlotte Stone Crabs

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 65
  • Attendance: 1,395
  • Starting Pitcher: Conor Fisk
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Endrys Briceno
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 774
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 644
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 876
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 677
  • Promotions (if any): Fireworks / Back to School Night

No other area games played.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 26, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Friday, August 26, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,884

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: 594
  • Starting Pitcher: Josh Rogers
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jon Perrin
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,175
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 951
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,012
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,021
  • Promotions (if any): Wing Deal Friday
  • Other local events: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cleveland Browns - NFL Preseason @ Raymond James Stadium (attendance: 46,848)

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 63
  • Attendance: 817
  • Starting Pitcher: Jonathon Brubaker
  • Opponent: Charlotte Stone Crabs
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Benton Moss
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,360
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,743
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,187
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 998
  • Promotions (if any): None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 64
  • Attendance: 473
  • Starting Pitcher: Brad Allen
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jeff Thompson
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 764
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 537
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 600
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 546
  • Promotions (if any): BOGO Margaritas

No other area games played.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 25, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Thursday, August 25, 2016:

Total Attendance: 14,473

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 69
  • Attendance: 12,059
  • Starting Pitcher: Jake Odorizzi
  • Opponent: Boston Red Sox
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Drew Pomeranz
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 15,933
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 15,414
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 11,989
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,352
  • Promotions (if any): $15 Senior Thursday
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 65
  • Attendance: 661
  • Starting Pitcher: Nestor Cortez
  • Opponent: Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jon Harris
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,185
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 824
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,510
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 661
  • Promotions (if any): Happy Hour Thursday

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: 1,753
  • Starting Pitcher: Elniery Garcia
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Bubba Derby
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,679
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 3,770
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,010
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,484
  • Promotions (if any): Taps and Tacos Thursday

No other area games played.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 24, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Wednesday, August 24, 2016:

Total Attendance: 13,385

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 68
  • Attendance: 11,896
  • Starting Pitcher: Matt Andriese
  • Opponent: Boston Red Sox
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Rick Porcello
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 15,990
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 15,973
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 13,083
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 17,037
  • Promotions (if any): $2 Hot Dog Wednesdays
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 64
  • Attendance: 629
  • Starting Pitcher: Yenfey Ramirez
  • Opponent: Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Justin Shafer
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,194
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 844
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 707
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 868
  • Promotions (if any): Kids Eat Free Wednesday

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 65
  • Attendance: 1,310
  • Starting Pitcher: Shane Watson
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Phil Bickford
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,694
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 4,022
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,047
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,866
  • Promotions (if any): Senior Day

No other area games played.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Rays tap USF Sports Marketing Professor for ideas

I'm not sure what the date on this news is, but according to a press release by the University of South Florida, USF professor Mike Mondello will be working with the Rays throughout the fall in an attempt to help their marketing department.

Per the release:
Sport & Entertainment Management Professor Mike Mondello will use analytics to work with Rays senior management on long-term issues critical to the success of the organization. Mondello will be the first faculty extern for the college, where faculty take time away from teaching and research to help businesses find creative solutions to the issues they face. The externship also gives faculty members a chance to connect with the business community

Using USF Sports Marketing folks is not uncommon for the Rays. Last year, I wrote about a program the team used to bring in interns from the college. The students were used to research how flex packs are being used.

Mondello is also no stranger to commenting about the Rays and the Tampa Bay sports market. He has been quoted in local media several times in regards to the Rays, to include how competitive the market is between the Rays and the Lightning and how the MLB Commissioner is looking to spark the stadium talks. His research and experience in sports marketing is extensive.

I've often said Tampa Bay is one of the most complicated sports markets, especially in regards to baseball, in the country. This is a very smart move by the Rays. With a sports marketing professor on board for the last quarter of the 2016 season, the Rays can pick his brain for ideas they can use in 2017 and beyond. Mondello can then bring his experiences back to USF and bring the Rays problems into the academic laboratories, where students can come up with ideas. This further creates a pipeline between the Rays and USF.

As Jonah Keri wrote years ago, the Rays are an organization always looking for an edge. If tapping into academia gives them a slight advantage over other sports or local venues, then they will fare better in the battle for hearts, minds, and dollars.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 23, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Tuesday, August 23, 2016:

Total Attendance: 14,653

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 67
  • Attendance: 11,249
  • Starting Pitcher: Chris Archer
  • Opponent: Boston Red Sox
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,051
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 16,789
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 12,614
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 17,361
  • Promotions (if any): $2 Kids Tuesdays
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 63
  • Attendance: 603
  • Starting Pitcher: Justus Sheffield
  • Opponent: Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Luis Santos
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,204
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 875
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 731
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 660
  • Promotions (if any): 2 for 1 Tuesday

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 64
  • Attendance: 2,801
  • Starting Pitcher: Brandon Liebrandt
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Kodi Medeiros
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,716
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 4,410
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 3,349
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,801
  • Promotions (if any): $1 Tuesday

No other area games played.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 22, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Monday, August 22, 2016:

Total Attendance: 13,576

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 66
  • Attendance: 13,576
  • Starting Pitcher: Blake Snell
  • Opponent: Boston Red Sox
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: David Price
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,124
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 18,174
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 14,091
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 14,553
  • Promotions (if any): Military Monday
  • Other local events: None

No other area games played.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Rationale behind Rays freezing season ticket prices

Last week, the Rays announced that they were freezing season ticket prices for the next two years. That means 2016 season ticket holders get the same prices for their 2017 and 2018 season ticket packages.

In a business where prices usually increase, seeing a price freeze makes some think business is doing bad. Cork Gaines of RaysIndex.com called the Rays decision a "terrible sign". Kyle Glazer of Baseball America said what the Rays were doing is "unprecedented".

According to Glazer,
The Rays have the third-lowest average ticket cost in 2016 at $21.04, according to Team Marketing Report’s Fan Cost Index, a nearly four percent drop from their average ticket cost in 2015. The average MLB ticket this season costs $31 and the Red Sox have the most expensive average ticket at $54.79, according to the report.

The insinuation here is that tickets are cheap enough and people should be buying them. Here is the problem with this line of thought. We know the Rays hyper-local population (within 30 minutes) is lower than any other team in Major League Baseball. With the Rays fanbase living further from the ballpark than any other team's fanbase, the overall cost of a game is higher than just the cost of the game. Rays fans have to pay gas and time costs to enjoy a night at the ballpark.

With their recent decision, the Rays are holding the product part of the experience stable. Meanwhile, traffic is getting worse, their stadium is getting older, and faith in ownership is dropping.

Before the season, I had a chance to speak with Rays Chief Business Officer Jeff Cogen. Cogen emphasized repeatedly how the season ticket base was the most important part of the Rays fanbase. Season ticket holders are the base in which all other parts of the fanbase are built. They are guaranteed fans and butts in seats.

Prior to joining the Rays, Cogen was the CEO of the Nashville Predators. He held that position from 2010 to 2015. During our interview, he compared the Rays situation with the Predators when he arrived in Nashville.

Here is a chart of the Predators season ticket prices from 2005 to 2015. Notice anything interesting?




Cogen took over as Predators CEO in August 2010. Predators ticket prices stayed at 2009/2010 levels through the 2010/2011 season and the 2011/2012 season. This is not a coincidence.

The 2016 season is Jeff Cogen's first as Rays Chief Business Officer. He and his staff have been given a very difficult problem. They are probably still gathering information on the fanbase. They are probably still trying to figure out who their fans are and where they are.

Freezing ticket prices for a few seasons is a tried and true first step in holding the base of the fanbase stable. If it draws new season ticket holders, even better. The next step is growing the fanbase. Contrary to what various hot takes believe, that takes time.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 21, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Sunday, August 21, 2016:

Total Attendance: 18,942

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 65
  • Attendance: 17,685
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Smyly
  • Opponent: Texas Rangers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Martin Perez
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,163
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 16,433
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 18,801
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 13,973
  • Promotions (if any): Raymond/DJ Kitty Bobblehead (postponed)
  • Other local events: None

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 63
  • Attendance: 1,257
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Anderson
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jonathon Crawford
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,714
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,343
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,129
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,254
  • Promotions (if any): Brunch at the Ballpark

No other area games played.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 20, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Saturday, August 20, 2016:

Total Attendance: 20,597

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 64
  • Attendance: 16,505
  • Starting Pitcher: Jake Odorizzi
  • Opponent: Texas Rangers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: AJ Griffin
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,139
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 15,807
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 21,076
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,587
  • Promotions (if any): Giveaway: Infinite Scarf
  • Other local events: None

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 62
  • Attendance: 4,092
  • Starting Pitcher: Will Morris
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Keury Mella
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,738
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,478
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 4,510
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,755
  • Promotions (if any): Fireworks, Superhero Night

No other area games played.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 19, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Friday, August 19, 2016:

Total Attendance: 17,103

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 63
  • Attendance: 15,109
  • Starting Pitcher: Matt Andriese
  • Opponent: Texas Rangers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Cole Hamels
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,134
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 15,109
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 17,211
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,861
  • Promotions (if any): #BaseballForever Night
  • Other local events: None

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 61
  • Attendance: 1,994
  • Starting Pitcher: Elniery Garcia
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Tejay Antone
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,716
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,248
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 3,000
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,606
  • Promotions (if any): Free Shirt Friday, 80s Neon Night

No other area games played.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 18, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Thursday, August 18, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,162

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 62 / 63
  • Attendance: 525
  • Starting Pitcher: Justin Shafer / Luis Santos
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Keury Mella / Michael Sullivan
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 769
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 638
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 741
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 706 / 589
  • Promotions (if any): Thirsty Thursday
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 62
  • Attendance: 637
  • Starting Pitcher: Domingo German
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Luke Leftwich
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,214
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,771
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,595
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,035
  • Promotions (if any): Happy Hour Thursday

No other area games played.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Rays Stadium Email Survey

I received an email from the Tampa Bay Rays asking me to fill out a survey on stadium conditions, both of Tropicana Field and the idea of a possible Stadium X, which will be somewhere at sometime. I took screen shots of the email survey to show those who do not receive the email what the Rays are asking a select group of fans.




I've never had a problem getting in and out of Tropicana Field. I have had issues with the cost of parking that the Rays charge, although private lots are always much cheaper. Of course, the big question here is "Ballpark Location". Wherever a fan lives, this will vary. As Noah Pransky likes to say, every fan wants the Rays in their backyard. If enough people said the ballpark location was ideal, but the Rays had the opportunity to move to the other side of the region, would fan opinions matter?




I thought this question was very interesting. These are who the Rays deem as their regional sports competition. I thought there were some interesting omissions. UCF, FSU, and UF sports are not listed, despite having fanbases in Central Florida.

Also notice how high up the list Yankees Spring Training is. It is not with the other Spring Training and Minor League teams. This makes me think the Rays think of the Yankees as a bigger threat to their market than USF, the Orlando teams, and the other regional Spring Training sites.




Every time the Rays asked about Stadium X, they called it "state of the art" and "next generation". Let's not forget, those were the same words used to describe Tropicana Field in 1998. What I found very interesting about the survey of amenities in Stadium X was how many were listed on my 17 Ideas for the Rays New Stadium post.



  • Local food options? Check.
  • In-stadium brewery? Check.
  • Smart phone apps for in-game info? Check.
  • Team museum and Hall of Fame? Check. (Although I would rather it be a regional baseball museum. Is this the death knell for the Ted Williams Museum?)
  • Children's Play Area? Check.

Of course, I voted all of those as "Very Important". I was a little disappointed there was no option for a gondola.

In total, the survey took me approximately 15 minutes. It was a good survey as later it tried to measure price points for different seats and packages at Stadium X.

Unfortunately, there was no option for "If I had more money, I would buy more expensive tickets". The Rays must think that this the case for most ticket buyers.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 17, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Wednesday, August 17, 2016:

Total Attendance: 10,921

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 62
  • Attendance: 10,251
  • Starting Pitcher: Chris Archer
  • Opponent: San Diego Padres
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Christian Friedrich
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,150
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 10,487
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 13,202
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 17,831
  • Promotions (if any): $2 hot dog Wednesday
  • Other local events: None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 62
  • Attendance: SUSPENDED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 61
  • Attendance: 670
  • Starting Pitcher: Yefrey Ramirez
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Shane Watson
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,225
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,913
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 717
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 928
  • Promotions (if any): Kids Eat Free Wednesday

No other area games played.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 16, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Tuesday, August 16, 2016:

Total Attendance: 11,891

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 61
  • Attendance: 10,793
  • Starting Pitcher: Blake Snell
  • Opponent: San Diego Padres
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Edwin Jackson
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,247
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 10,605
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 12,766
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 14,693
  • Promotions (if any): $2 kids Tuesdays
  • Other local events: None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 61
  • Attendance: 500
  • Starting Pitcher: Conor Fisk
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jose Lopez
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 773
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 654
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 858
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 533
  • Promotions (if any): None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 59 / 60
  • Attendance: 598
  • Starting Pitcher: Josh Rogers / Justus Sheffield
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Brandon Leibrandt / Ranfi Casimiro
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,235
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,090
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 750
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,107 / 689
  • Promotions (if any): 2 for 1 Tuesday

No other area games played.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 15, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Monday, August 15, 2016:

Total Attendance: 13,121

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 60
  • Attendance: 10,417
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Smyly
  • Opponent: San Diego Padres
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Luis Perdomo
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,338
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 10,417
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 14,176
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 13,636
  • Promotions (if any): Military Monday
  • Other local events: Def Leppard concert @ Amphitheater

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 60
  • Attendance: 1,477
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Anderson
  • Opponent: Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jon Harris
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,728
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,748
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,561
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,503
  • Promotions (if any): Feeding Frenzy Monday

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 58
  • Attendance: 622
  • Starting Pitcher: Domingo Acevedo
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jeff Thompson
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,247
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 907
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,053
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 832
  • Promotions (if any): 1/2 Price Monday

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 62
  • Attendance: 605
  • Starting Pitcher: Buddy Borden
  • Opponent: Fort Myers Miracle
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Keaton Steele
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,369
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,253
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 733
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 974
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 14, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Sunday, August 14, 2016:

Total Attendance: 2,298

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 60
  • Attendance: 575
  • Starting Pitcher: Brad Allen
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Will Morris
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 778
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 753
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,063
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 565
  • Promotions (if any): Kids Free Sundays
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 57
  • Attendance: 1,076
  • Starting Pitcher: James Reeves
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Matt Hall
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,259
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 948
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 949
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 833
  • Promotions (if any): Family Funday

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 61
  • Attendance: 647
  • Starting Pitcher: Stephen Tarpley
  • Opponent: Fort Myers Miracle
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Sam Clay
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,382
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,325
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,009
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,244
  • Promotions (if any): Family Fun Sundays

No other area games played.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 13, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Saturday, August 13, 2016:

Total Attendance: 4,122

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 59
  • Attendance: 666
  • Starting Pitcher: Luis Santos
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Phil Bickford
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 781
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 654
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 824
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 621
  • Promotions (if any): Ladies Night
  • Other local events: Tampa Noles Block Party (attendance 4,000)

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 60
  • Attendance: 3,456
  • Starting Pitcher: Yeudy Garcia
  • Opponent: St Lucie Mets
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Mickey Jannis
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,395
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,892
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,927
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,734
  • Promotions (if any): Star Wars Night/Back to School Night

No other area games played.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 12, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Friday, August 12, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,688

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 58
  • Attendance: 516
  • Starting Pitcher: Francisco Rios
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Kodi Medeiros
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 783
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 653
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 614
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 804
  • Promotions (if any): Ladies Night
  • Other local events: Brad Paisley Concert

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 59
  • Attendance: 1,172
  • Starting Pitcher: Jonathan Brubaker
  • Opponent: St Lucie Mets
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Casey Delgado
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,359
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,668
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,359
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,034
  • Promotions (if any): Free Shirt Giveaway

No other area games played.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 11, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Thursday, August 11, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,825

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 57
  • Attendance: 556
  • Starting Pitcher: Conor Fisk
  • Opponent: Brevard County Manatees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Cody Ponce
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 788
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 673
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 763
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 542
  • Promotions (if any): Thirsty Thursday
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 59
  • Attendance: 1,269
  • Starting Pitcher: Austin Coley
  • Opponent: St Lucie Mets
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Chris Flexen
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,362
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,751
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 868
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,425
  • Promotions (if any): Thirsty Thursday

No other area games played.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 10, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Wednesday, August 10, 2016:

Total Attendance: 0

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 60
  • Attendance: POSTPONED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Tampa Yankees

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 58
  • Attendance: POSTPONED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Palm Beach Cardinals

No other area games played.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Bradenton Marauders to get new scoreboard in 2017

In 2013, McKechnie Field, home of the Bradenton Marauders, was given a massive renovation. A tiki bar was added as well as new seats in left field and a 360 concourse allowing fans to walk the entire stadium. The only part of the park that was not upgraded was the scoreboard.

According to an article in Bradenton Herald from late July, McKechnie Field will get its new scoreboard before the 2017 season.
A new $1 million scoreboard at McKechnie Field moved closer to reality on Wednesday when Bradenton officials approved an interlocal agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The article states the funds were not available during the initial renovations, but are now. The cost of the project will be paid for by the Tourist Development Council of Manatee County.
The Pirates will pay for the scoreboard and then be reimbursed by the TDC. Callahan said there is no expectation the city will incur any costs, as the estimate should fully cover the project, but the agreement was needed to move it forward.

“This is being paid for by resort tax money and shouldn’t cost the city a dime,” said Mayor Wayne Poston.
Attendance at McKechnie Field, both Spring Training and Minor Leagues, increased considerably in 2013. While the Marauders attendance has dropped in 2014 and 2015, Pirates Spring Training attendance increased again in 2014 until decreasing in 2015 and 2016.

The Marauders attendance might be attributable to the McKechnie Field renovations, however, Pirates Spring Training is more likely a response to the team making the playoffs in 2013-2015 after missing the playoffs for 21 years.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 9, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Tuesday, August 9, 2016:

Total Attendance: 2,852

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 59
  • Attendance: 2,285
  • Starting Pitcher: Will Morris
  • Opponent: Tampa Yankees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: James Reeves
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,749
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,323
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 3,399
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,564
  • Promotions (if any): $1 Tuesdays
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 57
  • Attendance: 567
  • Starting Pitcher: Buddy Borden
  • Opponent: Palm Beach Cardinals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Junior Fernandez
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,364
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 895
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 614
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,035
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 8, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Monday, August 8, 2016:

Total Attendance: 1,866

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 58
  • Attendance: 1,321
  • Starting Pitcher: John Richy
  • Opponent: Tampa Yankees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Nestor Cortes
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,757
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,330
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,573
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 3,192
  • Promotions (if any): Giveaway: Feeding Frenzy Monday
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 5
  • Attendance: 545
  • Starting Pitcher: Stephen Tarpley
  • Opponent: Palm Beach Cardinals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jack Flaherty
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,379
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 942
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 746
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,303
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Tampa Bay Rays July 2016 Attendance Review

Welcome to our fourth monthly review of the Tampa Rays 2016 attendance. This post will look at attendance in games played at Tropicana Field from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016.
  • Total July 2016 Tampa Bay Rays home attendance: 214,114
  • Average attendance per game: 16,470
  • Highest attendance: 25,883 on Saturday, July 30th
  • Lowest attendance: 11,267 on Wednesday, July 6th
  • Average July game time: 3 hours, 01 minute
  • Highest attended series: 61,848 vs Yankees, July 29-31
  • Lowest attended series: 44,524 vs Tigers, July 1-3
  • Competing events:
    • July 1: Warped Tour @ Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
    • July 2: Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer @  Al Lang Field (attendance: 7,690)
    • July 3, 4: Fireworks events throughout Tampa Bay
    • July 17: Dierks Bentley concert @ MidFlorida Amphitheater
    • July 17: Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football @ Amalie Arena (attendance: 8,406)
  • Total Tampa Bay Minor League July attendance: 86,933
  • Tampa Bay Minor League attendance per game: 1,581 (55 games)

Comparing July 2016 with previous years

The following chart compares July 2016 average attendance to other recent years.




The average July 2016 attendance was 8.6% less (1,559 fans per game) than the July 2015 per game average. July 2016 was the lowest average July attendance since 2005. In the last 10 years, July attendance has decreased 7 times.





Weekdays vs Weekends

Let’s now look at the Rays July attendance on weekdays (Mon-Thurs) and weekends (Fri-Sun). As I have pointed out many times, the Rays usually have one of the biggest differences in Major League Baseball in regards to weekday versus weekend attendance.

This chart shows the Rays average weekday attendance in July since 2007.




In 2016, Rays average weekday attendance was lower than it has been in 9 years.The Rays only played 4 weekday games in July in 2016 compared to 9 weekend games, so the effect of these games should be less than in years past.

The following chart shows Rays average weekend attendance in July since 2007.




In 2016, Rays average weekend attendance was lower than it has been in 10 years. This despite the Rays hosting the Detroit Tigers and Anaheim Angels over July 4th weekend. This might be a perfect example of the drawback of Tropicana Field. Dome baseball struggles to host fireworks. People want to see fireworks on July 4th weekend. Hence, they are not going to go to a dome to see baseball, especially if local Minor League options have fireworks and baseball.
  • Rays attendance over 4th of July weekend 2016: 59,056
  • Tampa Bay area Minor League attendance, 4th of July weekend 2016: 31,863

The Rays saw a 27.7% increase in weekend attendance over weekday attendance in 2016.
  • 2016 July weekend games (average attendance): 9 games (17,649)
  • 2016 July weekday games (average attendance): 4 games (13,818)
  • Percentage increase on weekends: 27.7%

Conclusion

July 2016 was a very rough month for Rays attendance. A July 4th weekend and a home series against the Yankees should have been positives for Rays attendance. It is possible a general malaise in fan attitudes towards the team and their below .500 record is hampering attendance.

According to a chart by twitter follower Patrice Derome, the Rays entered July with an average attendance 16.3% above 2015's attendance. The Rays ended July only 12.5% above. That's not good considering July has traditionally been the Rays best month for attendance since 2007.

Since 2007, May and June average attendances have never been higher than July's average attendance. That happened this year.

What to expect in August? Hard to expect anything different than what has happened thus far this year. The Rays have a home series against the Red Sox in late August that might draw well being David Ortiz's last series at Tropicana Field. Red Sox visiting attendance has also been a bit higher than the last few years, but is still drastically lower than 2007-2012.

Fridays continue to be a problem for the Rays and if attendance doesn't increase during weekend attendance, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rays attendance increase over 2015's attendance slowly disappear. And with the Rays far out of contention, even if the team starts to play better, August attendance isn't likely to be much better than 2015's 18,000 average.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 7, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Sunday, August 7, 2016:

Total Attendance: 12,649

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 59
  • Attendance: 12,649
  • Starting Pitcher: Matt Andriese
  • Opponent: Minnesota Twins
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Kyle Gibson
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,438
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 13,471
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 18,903
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 16,012
  • Promotions (if any): Giveaway: Rays laundry hamper
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 56
  • Attendance: SUSPENDED (Rain)
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas

No other area games played.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 6, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Saturday, August 6, 2016:

Total Attendance: 20,804

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 58
  • Attendance: 15,603
  • Starting Pitcher: Chris Archer
  • Opponent: Minnesota Twins
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jose Berrios
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,503
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 13,882
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 21,533
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 18,462
  • Promotions (if any): Giveaway: Evan Longoria Solar Powered Gnome
  • Other local events: Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium (attendance: 4,997)

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 55
  • Attendance: 1,783
  • Starting Pitcher: Domingo German
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Seth Varner
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,263
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,588
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,042
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,234
  • Promotions (if any): Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 57
  • Attendance: 3,418
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Anderson
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: AJ Ladwig
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,783
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,945
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 4,563
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,845
  • Promotions (if any): Fireworks / Pokemon Night

No other area games played.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Tampa Yankees Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night Saturday 8/6/2016

I don't normally promote individual team promotions on this blog. I write about results and don't want to be seen as influencing any marketing efforts. However, I am making an exception for Saturday night's Tampa Yankees game.

Kelly Parsons of the Tampa Bay Times had an absolutely great write-up on the Tampa Yankees Saturday night Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night promotion. If this article does make you not only want to go to the ballgame, but also give what you can to some amazing families going through some tough times, then you are a cold, cold soul.
The jerseys — which will be worn by players then auctioned off with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society — feature prints from children ranging in age from 13 months to 18 years.

According to the article, three of the 11 handprints are from children who have since lost their battle with cancer. One of the children who died was 2 years old.

And the jerseys aren't the only charitable part of the promotion.
In addition to the money raised from the auction of the jerseys, the Yankees will donate $5 out of every $6 ticket purchased through the event's link to the American Cancer Society, earmarked for pediatric cancer.

I lost a close family member to childhood cancer, so this is a cause that is near and dear to me. That's why I am promoting the effort before it happens, not just talking about it after the fact. Kudos to the Tampa Yankees for making this happen. This is a great charity event and it would be great if it was highly attended and they made tons of money for research and to assist families going through childhood cancer.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 5, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Friday, August 5, 2016:

Total Attendance: 14,799

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 57
  • Attendance: 12,161
  • Starting Pitcher: Blake Snell
  • Opponent: Minnesota Twins
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Ervin Santana
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,519
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 12,161
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 17,421
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,343
  • Promotions (if any): $15 Student Rush
  • Other local events: None

Tampa Yankees:
  • Team Home Game #: 54
  • Attendance: 781
  • Starting Pitcher: Justus Sheffield
  • Opponent: Daytona Tortugas
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Keury Mella
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,253
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,560
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,059
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 781
  • Promotions (if any): Wing Deal Friday

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 56
  • Attendance: 1,857
  • Starting Pitcher: Shane Watson
  • Opponent: Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Endrys Briceno
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,772
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,886
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 3,112
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 3,008
  • Promotions (if any): Free t-shirt Friday / Post Game Concert

No other area games played.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 4, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Thursday, August 4, 2016:

Total Attendance: 16,555

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 56
  • Attendance: 13,120
  • Starting Pitcher: Drew Smyly
  • Opponent: Kansas City Royals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Ian Kennedy
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,597
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 12,717
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 11,978
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 13,958
  • Promotions (if any): $15 Senior Thursday
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 55
  • Attendance: 890
  • Starting Pitcher: Buddy Borden
  • Opponent: Fort Myers Miracle
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Sam Clay
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,394
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,410
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 828
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,129
  • Promotions (if any): Thirsty Thursday

Clearwater Threshers:
  • Team Home Game #: 55
  • Attendance: 2,545
  • Starting Pitcher: Luke Leftwich
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Chris Rowley
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 2,789
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 2,930
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 2,047
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 2,232
  • Promotions (if any): Taps and Tacos Thursday

No other area games played.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Tropicana Field's Missing Social Media Presence

Since I started writing this blog, I have advocated a social media presence for Tropicana Field. A social media presence for the building would be different than the Rays social media account in that a Tropicana Field-specific account would offer information on parking, food, specials, and other non-baseball events such as graduations, exhibitions, football bowl games, conventions, and anything else that happens at the Trop.

Currently, Tropicana Field does not have a twitter account and an Instagram account claiming to be Tropicana Field has two posts, both which were posted over 120 weeks ago.

Being that Tropicana Field is not owned by the Rays, the social media manager of Tropicana Field would probably be an employee of the City of St Petersburg, current owner of the use agreement holding the Rays to the facility. The City of St Pete has a twitter account which does occasionally mention the Rays, but recently went 3 months without tweeting - from April 26th to July 31st.

Is Tropicana Field's absence from social media rare? How do other MLB stadia fare on twitter and instagram?

The following chart depicts my searches for twitter and instagram accounts for each MLB stadium.




If we consider the Tropicana Field instagram account a real and official account, Tropicana Field avoids being one of only 8 stadiums with no social media presence. While some of the accounts listed as "Yes" are frequently active, some only tweet or post about non-baseball events happening at the facility.

According to the chart:
  • 9 MLB stadiums have both a twitter and an Instagram account
  • 9 MLB stadiums have a twitter account but no Instagram account
  • 4 MLB stadiums have an Instagram account but no twitter account
  • 8 MLB stadiums have neither a twitter nor an Instagram account

Tropicana Field is in company with Citizens Bank Park, Progressive Field, and Safeco Field with an Instagram and no twitter account.

Locally, a few Tampa Bay area facilities have both twitter and instagram accounts. But there is an interesting division. Facilities in Tampa have social media accounts, while those in Pinellas County/St Pete/Bradenton do not.




Perhaps the Tampa Sports Commission or another governing body insisted or facilitate the Raymond James, Amalie Arena, and Steinbrenner Field accounts. Maybe the governing bodies on the other side of the bay do not have the manpower or worse, the social media acumen to run the accounts.

I've often written that Tropicana Field social media accounts are a must. Not only do they provide information to fans, they are also conduits of the experience. They can promote others' positive experiences, answer questions about the facility, provide inside access, and share pictures and perspectives that fans can follow.

Both of these platforms have been available for years and the powers that be behind Tropicana Field need to get moving. If that is the City of St Pete, they should also create accounts for Al Lang Stadium. Failure to do so when other cities and stadiums are active could lead to the assumption that St Pete is not doing all it can to support the teams that play in the facilities.

So if Mayor Kriseman is so supportive of Baseball Forever in St Pete, the least he can do is hire an intern to tweet on behalf of Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 3, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Wednesday, August 3, 2016:

Total Attendance: 12,454

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 55
  • Attendance: 11,149
  • Starting Pitcher: Jake Odorizzi
  • Opponent: Kansas City Royals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Edison Volquez
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,660
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 12,583
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 13,529
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,517
  • Promotions (if any): $2 hot dog Wednesday
  • Other local events: None

Bradenton Marauders:
  • Team Home Game #: 54
  • Attendance: 729
  • Starting Pitcher: Stephen Tarpley
  • Opponent: Fort Myers Miracle
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Randy LeBlanc
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 1,404
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 1,484
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,156
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 1,388
  • Promotions (if any): None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 56
  • Attendance: 576
  • Starting Pitcher: Luis Santos
  • Opponent: Clearwater Threshers
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Brendon Leibrandt
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 792
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 778
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 734
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 576
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 2, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Tuesday, August 2, 2016:

Total Attendance: 12,625

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 54
  • Attendance: 12,625
  • Starting Pitcher: Matt Andriese
  • Opponent: Kansas City Royals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Yordano Ventura
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,762
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 13,300
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 13,013
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 16,853
  • Promotions (if any): $2 Kids Tuesday
  • Other local events: None

No other area games played.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - August 1, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Monday, August 1, 2016:

Total Attendance: 14,514

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 53
  • Attendance: 13,976
  • Starting Pitcher: Chris Archer
  • Opponent: Kansas City Royals
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Danny Duffy
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,841
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 13,976
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 14,928
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 18,722
  • Promotions (if any): Military Monday
  • Other local events: None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 55
  • Attendance: 538
  • Starting Pitcher: Justin Shafer
  • Opponent: Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Jeff Brigham
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 796
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 707
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 527
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 705
  • Promotions (if any): None

No other area games played.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Tampa Bay Baseball Attendance Report - July 31, 2016

Tampa Bay baseball attendance for Sunday, July 31, 2016:

Total Attendance: 18,677

Tampa Bay Rays:
  • Team Home Game #: 52
  • Attendance: 18,109
  • Starting Pitcher: Blake Snell
  • Opponent: New York Yankees
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Michael Pineda
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 16,896
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 19,413
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 19,528
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 15,980
  • Promotions (if any): Giveaway: Rays backpack
  • Other local events: None

Dunedin Blue Jays:
  • Team Home Game #: 54
  • Attendance: 568
  • Starting Pitcher: Francisco Rios
  • Opponent: Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Opponent Starting Pitcher: Scott Squier
  • Avg Attendance to Date: 801
  • Avg Attendance vs Opponent: 764
  • Avg Attendance per Day of the Week: 1,133
  • Avg Attendance for Starting Pitcher: 862
  • Promotions (if any): Kids free on Sunday

No other area games played.