NEWSLETTER
We expected that the Chicago Cubs affiliation would prove to be a large asset to the South Bend Cubs, but I’m not sure anyone quite expected this.
BREAKING: We’ve set a new single-season franchise attendance record of 259,530 for the 2015 season! pic.twitter.com/Qfzq2NtkkY
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) August 6, 2015
That’s right, the Midwest League Cubs have set a new franchise attendance record in their first year of Chicago Cubs affiliation. Here’s the fun part: they still have sixteen home games to go.
Doing some math, it looks like the SB Cubs have played fifty three home games so far. That averages out to be 4,897 fans per game. Assuming they hold that number, they should draw 78,352 fans the rest of the way. That would be a grand total of 337,882 tickets sold in their debut year with the Cubs. In other words, South Bend is on track to exceed their previous attendance record by more than 30%.
And the final tally could easily be higher. South Bend is in the second half division title chase (currently four games back) and has two of the Cubs’ best prospects on their roster (Torres and Happ). Both of those factors could easily result in a late season uptick in attendance that could push their final total north of 340,000. Maybe higher.
While the effect on the major league franchise isn’t direct, this affiliate success could be a factor that helps the Cubs secure a more favorable TV contract in the new future. It is just one more piece of evidence that the Cubs are a very strong and very marketable brand across a wide (and populous) region of the Midwest.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – There was just too much Omaha offense in this 9-5 Cubs loss.
Tennessee – This game was close early, but starting in the fourth the Smokies began pouring on the runs. When the onslaught ended Tennessee had a 13-1 win.
Myrtle Beach – The Pelicans tied it up with two in the ninth, then scored in the bottom of the tenth to secure a 3-2 win.
South Bend – South Bend came from behind in this one, but they didn’t stop once they were ahead. They ran away for a 10-2 win.
Eugene – Eugene had the day off.
Arizona – Arizona scored in the bottom of the ninth to walk off with a 2-1 win.
Performances of Note
Other News
Your Southern League leader in batting average this morning is… pic.twitter.com/u81kDjcPeg
— Tennessee Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) August 5, 2015
