White Sox total attendance has gone up by 177,761 fans, 22.4% more than the first half of last seasonGETTY IMAGES
The White Sox' "improving record is translating into improved ticket sales," as the team's increase of 4,040 in average paid attendance at the All-Star break is the "highest in the American League and second best" in MLB behind the Phillies, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. The White Sox' "increase in total attendance" is 177,761, up 22.4% compared to the first half of last season. TV audiences are also "on the rise" for the White Sox. Game broadcasts on NBC Sports Chicago "averaged a 1.18 Chicago market household rating, the highest team average" since '14 (1.38) and up 36% compared to the same time last year (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/13).
ROUNDING THE BEND: In Chicago, Paul Sullivan wrote White Sox fans are "returning to the fold in Year 3 of the rebuild," and it is "easy to see why." The team has "exciting young players" like LF Eloy Jimenez, P Lucas Giolito, SS Tim Anderson and 3B Yoan Moncada. The White Sox also have "ticket discounts that make it more affordable to take the family." There is a "general feeling that the Sox finally have turned the corner, with more talent on the way." For the "first time in years, there is significant buzz on the South Side." It is "important for the Sox to keep it going the next 2 1/2 months to build momentum" for '20, when the team "should become a realistic contender" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/12).
