MiLB attendance reaches a record 42.8 million
This highest total in the 106-year history of the industry was accumulated by the 175 teams in the 14 affiliated domestic leagues in the United States and Canada, plus the Triple-A Mexican League.
"Recent studies show Minor League Baseball continuing to be such a great family value and the persistent efforts of our operators to provide a quality atmosphere at their parks are leading reasons for continued attendance growth," Minor League Baseball president Mike Moore said. "We thank our fans for their tremendous support."
Turnstiles were spinning nearly everywhere in Minor League Baseball as 13 of the 15 leagues reported increases over 2006 totals. Four of the leagues -- Pacific Coast, Midwest, South Atlantic and Pioneer -- set their own all-time records.
George King, PCL vice president of business and operations, noted that the Triple-A circuit has set attendance records in seven of the last eight years.
"I think it's a product of a number of things -- the types of facilities our teams are playing in and the efforts that our clubs are putting forth in promotions are the two primary reasons," King said. "Our teams are entrenched in their markets, they've created a wholesome environment and they do a great job of bringing in families. ... We are constantly coming up with more creative ways to bring in more fans."
The only leagues that did not show increases in total attendance did average more fans per playing date this year. They were the Texas, which was coming off a record season in 2006, and the Appalachian, which was operating with one fewer team this season.
Attendance by Leagues:
Pacific Coast -- 7,420,095
International -- 6,721,465
Mexican -- 3,888,537
Eastern -- 3,887,359
Southern -- 2,517,817
Texas -- 2,814,114
California -- 1,649,480
Carolina -- 1,668,811
Florida State -- 1,079,102
Midwest -- 3,530,410
South Atlantic -- 3,862,077
New York-Penn -- 1,839,458
Northwest -- 927,169
Appalachian -- 288,582
Pioneer -- 718,336
Total: 42,812,812