Group attendance near record levels in 2011!

The Mud Hens attracted 139,296 fans through group sales in 2011. This is the fourth highest total in team history (the record of 143,226 was established in 2007)! A group is defined as any party of 25 or more people and the average group for a Hens game in 2011 was 77 people. Toledo entertained some large groups again this season with a total of 12 group outings of 500 or more.

The largest groups during the 2011 Mud Hens season:

• ProMedica (6,000 people total over a three-game stretch)
• YMCA National Gymnastics Championship (4,959 young gymnasts and their families)
• First Solar (2,000 people over a two-game stretch)
• HCR ManorCare (1,500 people) - have brought their group to nine of the first 10 seasons at Fifth Third Field

"This was by far one of our most successful employee events of the year which was attended by nearly 6,000 employees and guests," said Arturo Polizzi, ProMedica Chief Human Resources Officer. "The events were a lot of fun and a terrific opportunity for staff from various locations to get together, all thanks to the Toledo Mud Hens. It was also a great way for us to show appreciation for our hardworking employees."

Additionally, the Bostwick-Braun Company held their large trade show in the "Roost" at Fifth Third Field for the seventh consecutive season. The event has attracted over 2,600 people during that time period.

"We at The Bostwick-Braun Industrial Supply Division have enjoyed seven great annual Customer Appreciation Trade Shows with the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field," said Mike Deerwester, General Sales Manager. "This year, our customers were accommodated with great food, seminar space, show space holding 40+ vendors, not to mention a Mud Hens game enjoyed from the vantage point of the "The Roost". The service and accommodations have always met our needs and made an impression with our customers. The Mud Hens and Fifth Third Field will continue to be our trade show destination in Toledo."

Robb Friar, Manager of Corporate Human Resources at HCR ManorCare said, "For several years, we have held our annual employee picnic at Fifth Third Field and each year, our employees have thoroughly enjoyed the great food and baseball provided by the Mud Hens. The staff is always very easy to work with and have made planning the event a simple process."

Party suites at Fifth Third Field were also busy this season as a total of 214 suites were rented out and 99 percent of available suites after Memorial Day were filled. The number of suite rentals establishes a franchise record, surpassing the previous mark of 211 (2009).

On the catering front, it was also a banner year as picnics were up over 17 percent from the 2010 season and a staggering 48,249 meals were served to hungry Mud Hens fans at Fifth Third Field. Over 55 percent of all group outings ordered food as part of their night out at Fifth Third Field.

"The 10th season at Fifth Third Field was a tremendous success from the attendance perspective," said Toledo Mud Hens President & General Manager Joe Napoli. "The group sales, suite rentals, and picnic numbers are all signs that the economy in the region is rebounding. We thank our fans for a great year and we look forward to another great season in 2012."