Attendance in Baseball Schmidt, M.

Attendance in Baseball

Schmidt, M. (2006). The Impact of the 1981 and 1994 -- 1995 Strikes on Major League Baseball Attendance. Applied Economics. 34 (4), 471 -- 478.

In this article, the author examines the effects that a protracted strike had on Major League Baseball attendance, over the short to long-term time frames. This was accomplished by examining attendance figures following the 1981 and 1994 -- 1995 strikes. The results were that the effects on attendance were negative over the short-term. However, over the long-term the effects of both strikes were nonexistent, as attendance records would rise to pre-strike levels and higher. This is significant, because it shows how the calls of the death of Major League Baseball, during and after strikes were premature. Where, the general public would forget about, the divisiveness that was caused, between the two sides, a few years later. (Schmidt, 2006, pp. 471 -- 478)

Butler, M (2002). Interleague Play and Baseball Attendance. Journal of Sports Economics. 3 (4), 328 -- 334

In this article, the author is examining the affect that interleague play would have on attendance records. This was accomplished by comparing the attendance records of the strongest teams involved in interleague play, with the attendance records of the strongest teams in interleague play. The research was conducted over the course of the 1999 season. The results were: those games where there was interleague play, would see attendance rise by 7%. This is higher than the 1% rise in interleague games. This is significant, because it shows how having the strongest teams play one another, through interleague games, causes the overall levels of attendance to rise dramatically. In many ways, one could infer that the excitement that is generated from interleague games can create a playoff type of atmosphere among the fans. This will cause more excitement, resulting in a rise in attendance. (Butler, 2002, pp. 328 -- 334)

Leadley, A. (2003). When is the Honeymoon Over. Journal of Sports Management. 15.

In this article, the author is examining the economic benefit that a new baseball stadium will have on a team that switches from a multipurpose stadium, to baseball only park. The results were: that in the first few years there would be an upsurge in new attendance at the park. At which point, attendance levels will begin to see modest declines. However, the net economic impact for the sports franchise is an increase in revenues of $528 million, over 15 years. This is significant, because it shows how those stadiums that are focused on multiple sports, will see a decline in revenues, as attendance levels fall. While, those that are dedicated exclusively to baseball; will see an increase in attendance. In many ways one could argue, that a single purpose ballpark creates a special atmosphere for the fans. Where, this will cause attendance levels to increase. (Leadley, 2003)

McEvoy, C. (2002). Facility Age and Attendance in Major League Baseball. Illinois State University, 1 -- 37. http://www.castonline.ilstu.edu/mcevoy/MLBfacilityagefinal.pdf