Don't take me out to the ballgame: Major League Baseball has an attendance problem
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Baseball's attendance is off to another slow start, and while those numbers will creep up during the summer months, the early drop is still indicative of a continuing and startling trend.
By the numbers: Between 2008 and 2018, the league's average attendance decreased by 14%. This season, March–April attendance was roughly the same as last year, but seven teams saw double-digit dips, led by the Blue Jays (25% drop-off), Twins (18%) and Giants (17%).
The bottom line: The decline isn't shocking. The league is filled with rebuilding and non-contending teams as a result of how this offseason played out, and the experience of watching from the couch is great — and only getting better.
- In response to this trend, many teams are putting together ticket subscription packages and discounts to incentivize fans to come back to the ballpark, while others are simply shrinking their stadiums.
