Data: Baseball-Reference; Chart: Axios Visuals
Baseball's attendance is off to another slow start, and while those numbers will creep up during the summer months, the early drop is still indicative of a continuing and startling trend.
By the numbers: Between 2008 and 2018, the league's average attendance decreased by 14%. This season, March–April attendance was roughly the same as last year, but seven teams saw double-digit dips, led by the Blue Jays (25% drop-off), Twins (18%) and Giants (17%).
The bottom line: The decline isn't shocking. The league is filled with rebuilding and non-contending teams as a result of how this offseason played out, and the experience of watching from the couch is great — and only getting better.
- In response to this trend, many teams are putting together ticket subscription packages and discounts to incentivize fans to come back to the ballpark, while others are simply shrinking their stadiums.
