Marlins - attendance - MLB in Florida and a question:

[StL FinFan]

Our stadiums and hockey arena are all downtown.

[MaineDolFan]

I think that the firesale right after the world series in 97 hurt a lot.  I think if they didn't sell and were a decent team again in 98 they would have picked up a ton of bandwagon fans. 

Probably right.  Problem is that you can't be in a 'could have / would have' world.  The firesale happened and now the marketing department needs to find a way to grow that 16,000 per game fan base.

If you can grow that 2-3% a year things will be fine.  This season won't hurt.  Smallest payroll by a mile in the league and the team is GOOD.  Don't think that folks won't notice that come next spring training.  I would think that you'll see that 16,000 per game creep up to 18,000 ish per game as long as they build on this season, and I think they will.

[Sunstroke]

Ooh, ooh, ooh... Can I play the coulda-woulda-shoulda game??

The Marlins shoulda started their franchise back in 1920, so the last 3 generations coulda followed them closely. Then, maybe I woulda not have to listen to AL Elitists whining about the attendance in my ballpark.

[ethurst2]

They would be better off if they moved to Orlando, FL. Orlando has the logistics, transportation and infrastructure to support the Marlins. SF doesn't. You can put the park 15 miles South of Orlando or by the Sports Complex where all the other attractions are and it would work. Keep the name Florida Marlins and everything is cool.

[MaineDolFan]

Ooh, ooh, ooh... Can I play the coulda-woulda-shoulda game??

The Marlins shoulda started their franchise back in 1920, so the last 3 generations coulda followed them closely. Then, maybe I woulda not have to listen to AL Elitists whining about the attendance in my ballpark.

...says the Padres "fan"...

AL Elitist...yada yada yada...yawn...

[StL FinFan]

What does that make if I agree with Maine? 

[MaineDolFan]

A very smart woman, wise beyond your years?

Who knows.  A broken clock is correct twice a day, every now and again I might stumble across something too. 

[bsfins]

I've wanted to chim ein on this,but I'm in podunk and plowed ground here.....But I look at teams like the Royals,and say The Royals ARE part of the attraction to K.C.. The Royals,and the Chiefs (Ok I think they have a soccer team too) The Royals are something to do in between Chiefs seasons....It's part of the reason why I think the Oklahoma Thunder will work..They're the only game in town....We don't get to se Royals games here....We barely get a score here...

I know you can make the arguement for other teams too....I think each situation has it's pluses and minus'.Which would I rather sit at a day game in August? K.C. or Miami...K.C. anyday of the week....No Beach bunnies in K.C.

The only expierence I can equate it too was the moinor league teams we have here...The Ozark Mountain ducks,were not Affiliated with MLB,they built the stadium in Ozark Mo. (About half way between Springfield And Branson).It worked for a few years,the team was pretty good in the league they were in.Even though the Area was growing and the money was there,you couldn't grow the love for it...Then John Q Hammons stepped in,built a stadium smack dab in the middle of of Springfield,and brought in the AA Cardinals affiliate to play in...They draw good crowds....IT works....(it also helps you can see major leagers on their way back to the big leaguies..Hell the St. Louis Cardinals have played here twice...(I think Pujols Damaged my Roof with one of his moon shots...)

I see both sides of this....and think Both sides have Legit arguements....