Comments on: Braves return home to a crowd (but whose?)

By: Lee

Lee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:00:44 +0000

Ken, please explain why the attendance has been poor well before this season and why series against the Yankees in 2004, 2005, and 2007, series against the Yankees and Red Sox fans filled up Turner Field and were the only times during those seasons when the stadium was full. Explain why Atlanta fans failed to sell out playoff games since 2000? The economy was not the problem then. Yes, the economy hurts but the economy is not why Turner Field was full of opposing fans in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, etc. Yes, the economy hurts but the Braves attendance has been POOR for 8-9 years now.

By: michaelgee

michaelgee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:48:58 +0000

since Peachtree TV took over control of the Braves, most of South Georgia has lost interest. How much did peachtree TV pay to control viewership for the entire state? I followed the Braves for decades but lost contact when PTV blacked out the rest of the State except for the ATL viewers. Isn’t what PTV has done the REAL REASON the Braves are no longer followed in Georgia and the main reason that nobody attends the games? Why buy a local ticket when teh games are all on local TV? doh, what a brain fart!

By: Ken Stallings

Ken Stallings — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:46:16 +0000

Lee, the Braves’ home game attendance during the balance of the 90’s was among the best in baseball. Fenway is a small park, and therefore we outdrew the Red Sox that entire decade.

The attendance this year is significantly down from last year. Yes, the attendance since the team started failing to make the playoffs did go down from the excellent numbers of the 1990’s. However, it’s significantly down from last year.

The only difference is the economy. Twelve percent unemployment is a horrible development. Again, people, it is the worse unemployment numbers for Georgia since the Great Depression. I do not recall the numbers during the 1970’s downturn got over double digits.

If this year’s Braves team played like the championship teams of the past, then no question the attendance would be up somewhat, but I think it wouldn’t be as much as folks might expect. The issue is that vice a season ticket, or planning to attend 20 games, folks might put aside the money to attend one series, perhaps two.

The impact is overall the attendance is down. But was that because said fan was less loyal or enthusiastic? Clearly, said fan is more concerned about losing his job and thinking how badly he might need that extra $500 that attending one series vice 20-60 games represents.

Honestly, anyone who cannot see this point obviously hasn’t had to face a dire economic situation themselves. To those who have faced, or are currently facing, such a challenge, the logic of my point is undeniable.

By: varodrunner

varodrunner — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:28:38 +0000

Brownie
I won’t argue with you except on one point – Furcal. Otherwise, you are as entitled to your opinion as I am. Wren has not been able to “close” the deal far too many times. We almost had Bay. We had the name on the back of a jersey, but didn’t close the deal. And in my limited mind, he has missed many moe opportunities. but like I said, I won’t argue, just state my opinion.

xoxoxoxox

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:25:38 +0000

Agreed UGA fan. I actually think this Braves team is a lot closer then a lot on here realize. The pitching is outstanding and for the most part the bullpen is solid with Soriano and Gonzalez. This team needs a big bat to put it all together. The lineup is strong in parts but needs that big bat threat.

By: UGA Fan

UGA Fan — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:07:54 +0000

Where are all the fans that were screaming playoffs and World Series during the preaseason? I got trashed on here for saying that the Braves were at best a 3rd place team in the NL East.

Here is the reality though. As bad as the Braves are right now, they are still only 4 1/2 games out of first. The pitching is good but the offense stinks. It is time for Mr. Wren to make a trade to try to get some offense in here. Not an over the hill player that is trying to hold one but a good young offensive threat that is in his prime. I remember when McGriff came in and set the Braves and the stadium on fire. That is the kind of trade that I am talking about and I have a name to throw out…Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres. Has Mr. Wren done any asking to see if he is available? It may costs us a few good prospects but he has the kind of bat that we need. Just a thought, but Frank needs to do something and he needs to do it fast.

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:31:37 +0000

blazerdawg, you’re correct in the 1990’s the Braves outdrew the Red Sox and Yankees at times. However, that has not been the case since 2000. The Braves DO NOT sell out their stadium unless the other team’s fans fill it up. Look at the 2002 playoffs against the Cubs, the Cubs filled up our stadium. Being at the National league average is nice but it’s not selling out your stadium. The fact that fans of Atlanta didn’t come out when the Braves were winning the division in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, says it all. I love the Braves and I will be in town for the Red Sox series from North Carolina. For whatever reason, the City of Atlanta and it’s citizens don’t come out and fill up Turner Field. Atlanta is a transplant city full of Yankees, Red Sox, and Cub fans.

By: TPM

TPM — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:53:56 +0000

Let’s avoid whining about the Yankiee and Red Sox Fans. For the first time this year Turner Field will be soldout and fans will spend money at hotels and restaurants. That is a good thing. The construction on the downtown connector last summer killed the Braves. The Atlanta economy needs a week like this.

By: JK

JK — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:51:46 +0000

move the stadium to gwinnett county and you will sell tix

By: j

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:41:53 +0000

sure is some venom being spit out on this blog