Sign in Subscribe
Baseball

Minor League Baseball Sees Boost in Attendance and Media Coverage due to MLB Strike

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the MLB strike drags on, minor league teams in Canada and the US are reporting an increase in attendance and media coverage. General managers and owners are optimistic about the temporary boost, but also acknowledge the unpredictable nature of the situation. Teams in close proximity to major league markets are capitalizing on the opportunity to attract fans who would have attended a big league game.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minor league teams in Canada and the US are experiencing an increase in attendance and media coverage due to the MLB strike.
  • Teams in close proximity to major league markets, such as the Ottawa Lynx and the Welland Pirates, are attracting fans who would have attended a big league game.
  • The Vermont Expos, farm team of the Montreal Expos, are drawing crowds of 8,548, up from their season average of 8,711.
  • The Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks are honouring major league tickets for entrance to their games, with a top Whiskey Jack ticket price of $8.
  • Teams are taking advantage of the strike to get national television coverage, with the Vancouver Canadians of the Pacific Coast League discussing potential television broadcasts with TSN.
  • The Saskatoon Riot, an independent team, drew 2,200 fans for a game and 2,400 fans for a game, up from their season average of 1,600.
  • Minor league teams in Western Canada, such as the Edmonton Trappers and the Calgary Cannons, are averaging high attendance figures, but do not expect a significant boost from the strike.

Statistics:

  • The Ottawa Lynx have drawn 8,711 fans this season, up from their previous season average.
  • The Vermont Expos have drawn 8,548 fans on a cold night, which may have been smaller if not for the strike.
  • The Welland Pirates have an average attendance of 1,020, but this figure does not include the bump in attendance due to the strike.
  • The Saskatoon Riot drew 2,200 fans for a game and 2,400 fans for another game, up from their season average.
  • The Vancouver Canadians have sold out games and have a chance to make the PCL playoffs.
  • The Calgary Cannons are averaging nearly 4,500 fans per game and have a chance to make the PCL playoffs.

Sources:

  • "by The caller to the Welland Pirates' office was from Montreal and obviously a dedicated Expo fan. He wanted to know how to get to Welland's baseball park to catch the Vermont Expos when they visited last weekend..."
  • Quote from Brian Sloan, general manager of the Welland Pirates
  • Quote from Joe Easton, general manager of the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks
  • Quote from Ernie Nairn, media relations for the Winnipeg Goldeyes
  • Quote from Murray Wilson, director of marketing for the Ottawa Lynx
  • Quote from Brent Imlach, general manager of the Vancouver Canadians
  • Quote from Dennis Henke, assistant general manager of the Edmonton Trappers
  • Quote from Gary Arthur, vice-president and general manager of the Calgary Cannons
  • Quote from Kevin Friesen, general manager of the Medicine Hat Blue Jays
  • Quote from Matt Ellis, general manager of the Lethbridge Mounties

Read more