Indianapolis leads MiLB in attendance
INDIANAPOLIS - Of the 160 teams that make up United States-based Minor League Baseball, Victory Field and the Indianapolis Indians ended the 2016 season with the highest overall attendance at 636,888. The Tribe edged International League foe the Charlotte Knights (628,173).
Indianapolis also led MiLB in attendance in 2013, finished runner-up to Charlotte in 2014, and was third last season behind Sacramento and Charlotte.
"An accomplishment like this is a testament to our amazing fans that support Indians baseball year after year and our entire staff that helps create such a wonderful atmosphere at Victory Field. It's a great recipe for success," said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians general manager. "It is our mission to provide memorable and affordable family fun, and the residents of Indianapolis and Central Indiana along with visitors to our great city help continue to make Victory Field the pre-eminent downtown summertime destination. We are very humbled and grateful."
Off the field, Victory Field also faced challenges from Mother Nature. The 2016 season featured the seventh wettest and 11th warmest summer on record, according to the National Weather Service. In August, traditionally one of the highest-attended months of the Indians season, Indianapolis recorded the fourth-most rain in that month's history.
"Adverse weather is an inevitable part of a 72-game home schedule," said Lewandowski. "We are so proud of the Indianapolis Indians grounds crew and staff and how we prepared and responded when constantly forced into action this season."
The 2016 season marked the 20th of baseball at the downtown Indianapolis ballpark, and Victory Field surpassed the 12 million fan benchmark. Among 160 minor league teams, only one has had higher attendance than Victory Field since the ballpark opened in 1996 (Buffalo Bisons).
Victory Field will be back in action sooner than later as the ballpark immediately begins a transformation in preparation for high school football. The second annual Victory Field Gridiron Classic will feature Pike vs. Warren Central on Sept. 23 and Park Tudor vs. Speedway on Sept. 30. Visit IndyIndians.com for game and ticket information.