Attendance for five August home games exceeded 26,000, higher than last year's averageGETTY IMAGES
The Indians have "turned it around in the standings" and are now only 2.5 games back of the Twins in the AL Central, but "gauging interest in the Tribe is tricky," according to Joey Morona of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The Indians through 63 home games this season are averaging 21,344 fans at Progressive Field, down about 11% year-over-year. That number is "somewhat alarming at a glance" before factoring in the "dozen or so games that attracted 15,000 or less early in the team’s top-heavy home schedule when the weather wasn't as nice and the lineup left a lot to be desired." Attendance for five out of the 10 home games so far in August "exceeded 26,000," up more than 20% over the rest of the season and "higher than last year's average attendance." Additionally, prior to this weekend, nine of the 11 "top-rated Indians games on SportsTime Ohio this season" had come in August. The network said that Indians broadcasts are "averaging a 8.9 household rating this month," up 40% from the regular- season average and an increase of 21% over last year (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 8/16).
