The Indians "averaged 22,590 fans for the six dates in their first homestand of the season" last week, up 26.3% compared to 17,889 for the first six home contests last season, according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN's CLEVELAND BUSINESS. The increase was "bolstered by a crowd of 35,002 at the home opener" last Tuesday, and the team also "drew a combined 52,114 fans for Friday and Saturday games" against the Tigers. The weekend dates "should continue to do well, and the Friday-Saturday crowds in the summer could frequently get near or surpass 30,000," assuming the team "doesn't continue to struggle." A 26% jump in attendance is "still significant, and the Indians can pad those numbers by beginning to play" like last year's team (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 4/17).
A MATTER OF SUNTRUST: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker notes in their first four games at SunTrust Park, the Braves have averaged 35,990 fans per game. The first two games "drew sellout crowds of 41,149, while the third and fourth had attendance of 37,147 and 24,516, respectively." Meanwhile, the Braves’ home opener Friday night against the Padres drew a 5.0 local rating in Atlanta on FS Southeast, while the other weekend games drew a 3.5 and 2.9, respectively (AJC.com, 4/18).
