Why was Guardians 2023 attendance so good?

[Otsego Mar]

Exactly.

More than person convinced other people to go because "the games are faster/shorter now."

Nobody who truly enjoys baseball wants LESS time enjoyed at a ballpark.

 

[Criznit]

Nobody who truly enjoys baseball wants LESS time enjoyed at a ballpark.

True. If you're going solo, but if you have other people to consider... Or a bus schedule, or etc.

 

[southernflyer]

Do you guys remember how fast the game/action seemed as spring got underway? By seasons end, did anyone still "feel that"? Seemed totally normal/natural to me.

I think once pitchers got a few appearances in there was less visible pressure on rushing to beat it before a an infraction/ball was called. Their natural pace sped up so it wasn't an issue. Less announcers focused when it would get to three or four seconds and the windup motion hadn't started.

It will be interesting to see if there is an adjustment to the disengagement rule. Maybe two times per pitch/three times per at bat or keep the two times per at bat with an additional disengagement credited after the at bat passes five pitches before the next unsuccessful attempt allows the runner to advance to the next base.


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[The Human Q-Tip]

Which is more important - attendance, or revenues? We've often used attendance as a proxy for revenues, and that works when pricing, etc. is relatively constant year to year.

But if attendance is boosted because tickets are cheaper, and if shorter games mean less concessions purchased....

Anyway, I'd be curious to see the percentage increase in gameday revenues year-to-year, in addition to the attendance data.

 

[Urban]

You mean $2 beers for pregame on Friday nights was an attractive promotion? Who would have guessed?

There were a lot of great promotions throughout the season. And not like the old days where honor roll students got discounted tickets.

Just saying, the pregame in the district $2 beers has been a thing since at least 2017

 

[DCTribefan]

Just saying, the pregame in the district $2 beers has been a thing since at least 2017

I usually go to day games so did not realize this.

 

[BimboColesHair]

Just saying, the pregame in the district $2 beers has been a thing since at least 2017

$2 beers and free beers with purchase of a District ticket has been a thing since the Corner was built in 2015.

 

[33Y0]

What did they do differently in 2023?

A few things - better customer service, their season ticket holder event was MUCH better and improved than last year, pricing was affordable (although that really wasn't an issue in 2022), I still think they can improve on a few other season ticket holder perks, but the first two issues were certainly more improved.

 

[33Y0]

I don’t know how accurate that is.

I’ve read a lot of comments in other media outlets about the game being too quick for stadium patrons, but less complaints from people watching on TV.

Personally, I hope they reverse the changes made this year eventually.

I mean, you're not going to please EVERYONE, but I don't think I really talked to anyone this year who complained games were too short. Not to say those people aren't out there, but they're a minority of folks.

 

[33Y0]

$2 beers and free beers with purchase of a District ticket has been a thing since the Corner was built in 2015.

I think the team marketed it better and when you suddenly add in the monthly standing room pass, more people discover it too. JMO.

 

[Mott the Hoople]

It's funny how different types of fans have different needs and desires.

I'm an old guy. (official senior citizen). I sure as hell don't want to stand through a baseball game. Yes, I usually grab a beer. But I rarely get anything more exotic than a hot dog.
I like to get a good seat when I can because I like to get a good view of the game.

Younger fans I think use baseball as a social event. Getting beers, having multiple types of food. and moving around to different areas with their friends. There's nothing wrong with that because you can usually find a tv monitor somewhere close.
But actually, I encourage these changes because younger fans are the future of the game and this franchise.
Not with old geezers like me who tell old stories about Sam McDowell.

 

[AZ_]

It's funny how different types of fans have different needs and desires.

I'm an old guy. (official senior citizen). I sure as hell don't want to stand through a baseball game. Yes, I usually grab a beer. But I rarely get anything more exotic than a hot dog.
I like to get a good seat when I can because I like to get a good view of the game.

Younger fans I think use baseball as a social event. Getting beers, having multiple types of food. and moving around to different areas with their friends. There's nothing wrong with that because you can usually find a tv monitor somewhere close.
But actually, I encourage these changes because younger fans are the future of the game and this franchise.
Not with old geezers like me who tell old stories about Sam McDowell.

Looking at it through a business lens, this is how you get larger groups of people to attend games and drive revenue.

There are levels of data you can get on the overall expected $$ value for a father/son to attend a game and compare that to the overall revenue impact for a group of 2+ aged 21-40. Its a pretty sizable difference.

The next level is teams thinking about how they can drive specific types of fan segments into certain sections within the stadium for best experience.


They've dedicated that entire right-center field area as the party section, have to admit it really is an excellent experience out there. Being on the drink rails for the HR Derby was electric and somewhat dangerous.

 

[Lee]

I love the idea of monthly pass promotions. I remember when I was working in downtown Cleveland in 1973, we had 12 noon games and .50 bleacher seats. That did attract a lot of fans to the bleachers. I came close to attending for a half an hour or so while I was on lunch break. I could see office workers taking lunch there.

I'm glad if the pitch clock helps the average fan enjoy the game more. I'm just such a traditionalist, I don't want those changes because they make the stolen base totals a little less comparable.

Working in downtown in 1973?

Damn....respect.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

$2 beers and free beers with purchase of a District ticket has been a thing since the Corner was built in 2015.

Please make sure you note that the free beer is only the children's size.

I'm also pretty sure (at least back when I was a STH) that the District Ticket was 17, but standing room was 13. Basically you were choosing to pay 4 bucks for that "free beer."

 

[Urban]

Please make sure you note that the free beer is only the children's size.

I'm also pretty sure (at least back when I was a STH) that the District Ticket was 17, but standing room was 13. Basically you were choosing to pay 4 bucks for that "free beer."

Yeah, it's been awhile since I've done it but I think it's a 12 oz can of miller or like an 8 oz draft beer