What is Major League Baseball?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. It consists of 30 teams, divided into two leagues, the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). MLB is one of the oldest professional sports leagues in the world, dating back to 1876.
MLB Attendance
MLB attendance is a key indicator of the league’s popularity and success. The average fan attendance for MLB games in 2019 was 28,155, which was the highest since 2007. This figure represents an increase of 6.3% over the 2018 season.
Top 5 Teams with the Highest Attendance in 2019
The teams that attracted the most fans to their games in 2019 were:
- St. Louis Cardinals – 47,001
- New York Yankees – 46,734
- Los Angeles Dodgers – 45,902
- Chicago Cubs – 42,242
- San Francisco Giants – 41,921
Top 5 Teams with the Lowest Attendance in 2019
The teams that attracted the fewest fans to their games in 2019 were:
- Miami Marlins – 10,014
- Tampa Bay Rays – 14,739
- Cincinnati Reds – 15,262
- Oakland Athletics – 17,555
- Kansas City Royals – 18,086
Factors Affecting MLB Attendance
There are many factors that can affect attendance at MLB games. Some of the most important ones include:
- Team Performance – The performance of a team can be a major factor in their attendance. Fans are more likely to attend games when their team is doing well and more likely to stay away when their team is struggling.
- Location – Location can also play a role in attendance. Teams in larger cities or areas with a larger population tend to have higher attendance figures than teams in smaller cities or areas with a smaller population.
- Weather – The weather can also have an effect on attendance. Poor weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, can keep fans away from the stadium. Conversely, good weather can draw in more fans.
- Competition – The level of competition can also affect attendance. Fans are more likely to attend games against teams with a good reputation or teams that have been successful in the past.
- Promotions – Promotions and special events can draw in more fans. Teams often offer promotions such as discounted tickets, giveaways, or other incentives to encourage fans to attend games.
MLB Attendance Trends
Since its inception, MLB attendance has been relatively stable. There have been some highs and lows, but overall the league has been able to maintain a consistent level of attendance over the years.
2019 Attendance
The 2019 season saw a slight increase in attendance compared to 2018. This increase was largely due to the success of several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
2020 Attendance
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MLB attendance was drastically reduced in 2020. Many teams did not allow fans to attend games at all, while others limited the number of fans in the stadium. Despite this, the average attendance for the 2020 season was still higher than the 2018 season.
2021 Attendance
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, MLB attendance will likely remain below pre-pandemic levels. However, with the vaccine now being administered, it is possible that attendance could increase in 2021.
Conclusion
The average fan attendance for MLB games in 2019 was 28,155, the highest since 2007. This figure represents an increase of 6.3% over the 2018 season. The teams that attracted the most fans to their games in 2019 were the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants. Factors that can affect attendance include team performance, location, weather, competition, and promotions. MLB attendance has been relatively stable over the years, with a slight increase in 2019 and a decrease in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the vaccine now being administered, it is possible that attendance could increase in 2021.