I think the weather has a lot to do with the attendance. Nice warm sunny afternoons/evenings, and you see good size crowds! However, cool/cold, damp, cloudy and windy day's, well other than the moms and dads, only real baseball nuts show up! Not much the schools can do about the weather.

 

As you can see below, a rather good turn out of students down the third base line, at a CovCath home game!

 

 

Hey I remember the last game I played at CovCath against them and the student section they had there, and well I also remember them leaving really sad and shocked after my Ludlow team beat them.

 

Haha sorry had to say it. But in all honesty that is great how Covcath students come out to support their team like they do. More students at more schools need to do the same thing. :thumb:

Ii wish my school had a student section for a baseball game like that. We are lucky to get 20-30 fans.

I am positive that GCHS admin. will have no problem letting people in for free, being the non-money grubbing people that they are!!

 

Not saying that GCHS wouldn't. I am speaking about other schools. A lot of admin will not let this happen. If they let fans in free to baseball games, fans may expect it at all sporting events for the school's teams.:thumb:

Here is some ideas.

 

1) Find several local eating establishments, that will give away combo meal/pizza/etc., say if a HR is hit in the game or certain inning. Get's a chance to advertise for them and increase some fun.

 

2) Have a drawing, for everyone who purchases a ticket and give something away, from a donated business in the area. Give away t-shirts, caps or items already available in the concession stand.

 

3) Organize pep sections at school and invite them to attend.

 

4) Discount for Senior Citizens and Grandparents, of players.

 

5) Invite guests, to Sing the National Anthem. Use students, choirs, parents or family.

Anybody see what the Florida Marlins are trying to boost attendance? An all-male cheerleading squad: the Manatees.

 

Here's a link to the story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080224/ap_on_fe_st/odd_fat_cheerleaders

How is attendance at your schools baseball games? What has your program done to improve attendance, if anything?

 

Trinity plays more evening games than they did 10 years ago. Admission is free "on the river". May move some games to Derby City Field and charge $5.00 admission to offset some expenses.

St.X built a new stadium and attendance has been great in fact overflow crowds for big games, may have to consider expansion already.

I have always liked the idea of "A" honor roll students get in free, and "A-B" honor roll gets in for a $1.00. This is for all sporting events, and at ever game give away a couple of free passes for a future game, for all season pass holders, have a drawing for a free season pass to someone for the next year. Just some of my ideas.

dd734 - some good ideas.

Attendance at baseball has more to do with the fact that you play nearly everyday instead of the once a week "event" of football. You'll never draw "Football" size crowds when they can come the next day or the nest, etc. Early game time also are a problem. We get good crowds at our games depending alot on who the opponent is.

 

This is 100% true!:thumb:

This is 100% true!:thumb:

 

I agree, but that is obvious.

 

The question was what can be done to improve attendance....not why is it bad.

Generally helps to know some whys before deciding on hows, but point taken.

I think they should let the students in free.

 

I agree. I know it won't happen.

I have long been in favor of letting all Elementary and Jr. High kids in free.

One with a paying adult for all high school sports. It can get expensive to go to a ball game with a couple of kids and such. The idea is to get the young kids excited about going to the games. Get them interested in sports.

 

Part of my idea would also have some players go to the elem. and middle schools to give out free tickets and maybe some other little goodies. I know that the crowds would grow. Lil Jimmy comes home and begs dad to take him to the game. Jimmy's got a free ticket and is excited about going.

 

Allowing only 1 kid per adult keeps the games from becoming "babysitting stations" and who knows maybe the parent(s) would get more involved as well.

 

If you think about a family of 4 or 5 it could cost as much as $25 or $30 just to get into the games.

I think selling season passes is the best way to boost the attendance. People will be more likely to show up if they've already paid for it because they won't want to be wasting their money. Get your kids out early in the pre-season and get them selling season passes. Even have a contest to see who can sell the most or something like that.

 

Also, when they do show up, make sure there are things that will make them want to come back...such as good food, music, contests/prizes, oh yeah....and GOOD BASEBALL! :thumb:

I agree, but that is obvious.

 

The question was what can be done to improve attendance....not why is it bad.

 

Maybe provide more community involvement, different types of promo's and the attempt to create some type of college or professional experience may help. When people can get into games for free and teams provide great concessions and there is still few in attendance what else can you do??