Redbirds attendance up 17 percent

Redbirds attendance up 17 percent

324.581 fans attended games this summer

Memphis Redbirds MEMPHIS, Tennessee – A total of 324,581 fans attended Memphis Redbirds games at AutoZone Park during the 2016 season, which is nearly a 17 percent increase over its total of 278,579 for the 2015 campaign.

The figures were helped by seven sellouts during the season, including Saturday, Aug. 27, when an AutoZone Park post-renovations record crowd of 11,041 jammed the stadium. The ballpark was renovated in the 2014 offseason to its current configuration. This season, the Redbirds went from averaging just over 4,000 fans per game to more than 4,700 per contest.

'When I purchased the Redbirds prior to the 2016 season, it was clear the St. Louis Cardinals organization had positioned the club for many years of future success,' Redbirds Principal Owner Peter B. Freund said. 'From our opening weekend we knew something special was happening downtown at AutoZone Park, and our fans have given us a dream season to build upon. We look forward to making several announcements over the coming months that will continue to facilitate the rebirth of this iconic franchise.'

'This has been an amazing season,' Redbirds President and General Manager Craig Unger said. 'Many thanks to our season ticket and suite holders, sponsors, and everyone who came out to AutoZone Park this year. And a special thanks to the Redbirds staff, whose tireless work this season continues to make the fan experience, and AutoZone Park, the best in Minor League Baseball.'

The 2016 home schedule was highlighted by multiple Cardinals and Redbirds bobblehead giveaways, All-You-Can-Eat Thursdays, fireworks Saturdays, and special theme games including 'Grit and Grind Night' with the Memphis Grizzlies, Star Wars Night, Superhero Night, Princess & Pirate Night, Beach Party Night and Christmas in July. The Redbirds also welcomed area schoolchildren to the ballpark for multiple Education Days.

The Redbirds' final weekend included a celebration of the 10 millionth fan to enter AutoZone Park since it opened in 2000, as well as a visit from President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter as part of the closing ceremony of Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project.

The Redbirds and AutoZone Park will host the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game on Tuesday, Sept. 20, pitting the winner of the Pacific Coast League against the winner of the International League in a one-game, winner-take-all contest to crown a Triple-A Baseball champion.

Contact the Redbirds front office at (901) 721-6000 or visit www.memphisredbirds. com for ticket info.

Wonder and East open season

Wonder's Denarius Barnes (44) hauls in a pass in the first half.

Photos by Billy Woods

By Michael Schroeder