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A’s report: Where are the fans?
By Jerry Feitelberg April 23, 2010 |
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A major League team needs to have people in the seats to survive. A lot of the revenue comes from television but teams still need fannies in the seats. Fans in the park mean more sales of hot dogs, popcorn, beer and souvenirs. Years ago, the standard needed to survive was a million people through the turnstiles. In today’s world, teams need to draw at least 2 million fans each year. Why? Salaries for players have shot through the roof due to free agency as well as other expenses.. In recent years, the teams that have new stadiums have seen an increase in attendance Fans will come initially to see the new facility but will not come if the product on the field is not good. Even if the team is playing well but do not have marquis players, people will not come. The economy is another factor. It becomes very difficult for teams that exist in small markets to be able to attract star players. The Oakland A’s find themselves in that position. Attendance has been dwindling. The team did draw well 20 years ago when the A’s had great teams on the field. The A’s now want and need a new ballpark. The current venue is not good for baseball and it’s not a good football stadium. When the Florida Marlins move into their new stadium in 2012, the A’s will be the only Major League team sharing a stadium with a football team. Where will it be built? Will public money be utilized to build it? The club wants to move to San Jose but will the voters approve the ballot measure? Will Oakland find a location and find the will to build the new venue. Will the club move to Fremont? Even if a new stadium is built, will the fans support the club? |
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