OT: Minor League Baseball Survey
 

I posted a month ago about my work on a Doctorate. My topic is currently minor league baseball. I'm hoping to get some information from fans.
I ask that you please answer the following questions.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

Our tickets with food, parking and being really good seats cost $15-16 per. It is a marvelous cost-controlled date night.

None... games are very affordable

Best of Luck!
David

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 2

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Price of tickets, weather & how close to home it is.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?
Bringing in former major league players for autographs/photos.. I know here bringing in any former Cardinals players would spike attendance. It doesn't even have to be a big name..

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Not a factor at all.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? Never really thought about it to be honest

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? Very rarely with the exception of cards.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? Very little

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? 1

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? Huge impact, our local independent league team has free parking and very reasonable ticket prices. Also fair prices on food.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 150

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Season ticket holders

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?
Pet night

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Not at all.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? Have gone 100 miles to watch team on the road.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? Yes

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? 3

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? Some. Lower prices allow us to afford season tickets.
__________________

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 20-25

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) I just enjoy baseball and it is a fun, cheap night out.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team? Nothing to suggest. Both of the minor league franchises I support are already very good with promotions.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Not real important, although it is kinda cool to take in games at a state-of-the-art minor league stadium like Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? The Reading (Pa.) Phillies are 10 miles from my house and the Lehigh Valley (Pa.) Ironpigs are 40 miles from me. I would be willing to travel further than than, but have never done so for a minor league baseball game.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? Yes.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? Two.

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? Somewhat. I am also a minor league hockey fan and a fan of local auto racing. I like the fact that I can go to a game in Reading or Lehigh Valley for $10, with parking being free at Reading and $3 at Lehigh Valley.

my replies
 

1 10-15
2 go when the mood strikes me usually beginning of season
3 no
4 free card night with special set just for that night, old-timers night
5 not really, as long as well maintained
6 about 40, most are 10 minutes away
7 no
8 i may go to a couple more if team or an individual player is lighting it up
9 2 (Also Reading and Allentown)
10 minimal

Somewhat

I go to a Brooklyn Cyclones game once a year. My friend has season tickets so I get a freebie. It's just a twenty minute drive to MCU Park and we love the area. Coney Island is beautiful and always a lot of fun. I like the family oriented nature of the ballpark. I rarely ever go to major league games.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

about 120

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

We have billeted players for the past five years and so attend everygAme possible

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

Promotions aren't necessary for me, but fireworks are a big event here in Vancouver ad very well done

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

Not important. Nat Bailey Stadium was built in 1951 and with upkeep will last another 50

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

Six hours is the longest

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

Yes

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?


No

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?

Four

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

Not a factor for us, but prices here are cheaper than a movie, and it is a big factor

Max

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1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 20-25

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Just love baseball

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?
Doesn't matter to me

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Doesn't matter to me

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?
Depends, I usually attend when I am on a trip or vacation. I will drive 2 hours to go to Dayton, Columbus, Lexington or Louisville

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? No, most of it looks awful to me. I will if it looks very good though

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? About 10-12

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? If the parking is stupid outrageous, I wont go again, but I can't remember when that was a factor
__________________

Important factor

I posted a month ago about my work on a Doctorate. My topic is currently minor league baseball. I'm hoping to get some information from fans.
I ask that you please answer the following questions.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

25

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

Mainly having the time to go. We are at a busy part of life.

Promotions: Especially something like monkey rodeo or cheap beer night...I often take my dog to Bark in the Park...on Sundays you are allowed to take your dog.

I have a baseball encyclopedia I like to get signed...if there's an opposing coach or manager I remember I wlll get there early to try to get it signed.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

Stopped for a while a few years back. Had a problem with ownership in a promotion I did not feel like they lived up to that I had done for my business.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

Cheap midweek tickets. Saturday tickets are worth more than Tuesday tickets...I need something to motivate me to get me out.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

None. The ballpark I attend most is very modern, but I think old parks have charm.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

It has to be convenient...no more than an hour.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

No. If I get it free I wear it.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

No, though I am likely to attend a playoff game if the team makes the playoffs.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? Three or four.

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? Depends...my local team has crept up to about $10, which is starting to seem expensive. It's not bad for just me, but is pretty bad if I am taking my daughter and wife who would much rather go to the movies for the same money.

Hi Brent

1. 3 (Toledo Mud Hens & Lake Erie Crushers)

2. I like the small venue and the closeness to the field.

3. No

4. Draw random seat numbers and give away free merchandise. Even just a T-shirt would be good for advertising the team/stadium. Get the kids involved. Let them come on the field and take a swing or two of the bat or maybe even field a few grounders. Food promos are nice too. The closest minor league team to me has "Two for Tuesday" nights. Two hot dogs for $2 & two beers for $2. ;) The Lake Erie Crushers had a contest for the fans to come up with the team's name.

5. Not important at all

6. 60 miles

7. No

8. No

9. 2

10. Quite a bit. Another factor is parking location.

While we are on the subject, there is a new minor league team starting up 20 minutes from my home and I can't wait. They've already hired Bill Madlock as the manager.

Jantz

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 100+

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) My job is covering the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a majority of the coverage being the minor leagues. I also have a nine game season ticket package with four of my family members

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team? Throwback nights, old school uniforms and themes

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? None

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? As a fan, I've gone two hours

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? Yes

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? Six

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? While most games I attend now are on a media pass(no costs), I have paid in the past and the low cost of minor league games is helpful because the prices are so much cheaper than major league games. The family season tickets come out to $10 each including shipping I believe

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? Two.

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Just like to see some baseball action at least once a year (missed a couple of years ago--lightning scared us off). Day of the week would be the only factor...like to go on the weekend.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team? I think the more family type promotions a team offers, the better the attendance will be, and will promote future dedicated customers in the seasons to come.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? It is not important, but a newer stadium is nice.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? Not very far at all.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? No...I'm cheap.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? One.

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? A certain amount...it is definitely nice that prices are a fraction of what they would be at a major league park.


Brian

The queen and I go to 2 or 3 Portland Seadogs and 2 or 3 Lowell Spinner`s games each year. Entire game, tix/parking/food goes about 50-60 bucks and we buy merchandise for the grandkids and a new hat/shirt each season. The ride is 40 minutes for lowell and the Portland games are vacation trip extras. Good Stuff !!!

1. 25-30 Arkansas Travelers games
2. Visit with friends, family and enjoy the game
3. no
4. It seems they have every promotion known to man
5. I think everyone was sad when the old stadium was torn down but attendance at the new ballpark in Little Rock has been tremendous
6. I have about an hour drive which makes weekday nights tough
7. I but programs and yearbooks but no clothing
8. I don't the record matters, it is just being at the park
9. Just Dickey-Stephens in North Little Rock
10. Parking is $5.00 so not bad and tickets are $7.50, if it gets in the $15.00 range I think attendance would really suffer

1. 40-50
2. Price/value and ease of access. I live 4 miles from the Durham Bulls and ride my bike to the games and live less than 1.5 hours from 5 other affiliated minor league teams. I guess I just enjoy going to watch a baseball game in a relaxed atmosphere at a good price.
3. No
4. Unsure. Beyond Thirsty Thursdays :D, they usually don't influence my decision, since it is more related to my availability to attend.
5. Somewhat, though I do enjoy being able to stand behind the dugout and watch the game at one of the older stadiums.
6. On a regular basis? About 1.5 hours. Though I often plan stops at other minor league games when I'm away.
7. Yes.
8. Not really.
9. About a dozen.
10. Not much, since ticket prices are generally under $10 and most places I've gone I can usually find free/cheap parking.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

maybe 1 or 2

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

proximity to my house...1/2 mile away, free parking/none needed, promotions

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?



4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

new saints ballpark imminent...lowertown st paul...should help increase viewership due to new ballpark, more hip location, proximity to bars/restaurants

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

not very

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

no

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

not really

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?
2

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?
it's a significant factor

1. 20-25
2. Days off from work. Promotions were a nice bonus, but seldom the only reason to go to the ballpark.
3. Yes. The Yakima Bears left town, for greener pastures in Oregon. Did not go to a Wenatchee Apple Sox game either last summer, no reason.
4. Fireworks.
5. Parker Field in Yakima was built in the late 30's. Many amenities were poor quality and the food got progressively worse as the team closed shop. No factor, other than nostalgia.
6. 45 miles from Ellensburg to Yakima.
7. Only if it was made before 1980. Which was often still at the merchandise stand in 2012.
8. Not really, regionally appealing.
9. Three
10. Absolutely a factor. Ticket, parking & concession prices. I could attend a Yakima Bears game with my daughter for less than $25.

Hi Brent!

Here's my response. Good luck!

-Al


I posted a month ago about my work on a Doctorate. My topic is currently minor league baseball. I'm hoping to get some information from fans.
I ask that you please answer the following questions.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

6-7, plus 3 Cape Cod League games.

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

The quality of the play.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

No.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

More promotions for local youth sports teams. Discounted tickets, private parties, etc. Also, renting out the park to youth sports teams during road trips.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

Not at all.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

1 hour.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

No.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

No.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?

5, plus three Cape Cod League parks.

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

Very little, though if it was as expensive as a major league game, we probably wouldn't be as motivated to go on a whim.

Wow im totAlly shocked at the responces. Well as for me i have never been to a minor league game. All other questions i guess dont apply.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

About 50

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

Enjoying the game esp. With my son. Having affordable seats close to players.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

Minor league teams should promote their history more.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

I enjoy going to some of the older parks. I do like comfort but also like parks with character, which is more important than age.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

On occasional basis maybe 75+ Miles; regular basis about 40 miles

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

I don't; my family does.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

Yes, but only to moderate extent. I might go to about 30 percent more games for dynamic first place team compared to bottom dweller.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?

4

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

It affects number of games. As price goes up I just go less.

Thank you for all the responses. I am pleasantly surprised.

This has given me a great start.

If anyone is willing to do a recorded interview based on this topic, please PM me. I'd like to get a few people at both ends of the spectrum. Less than 5 games the past 3 years and 25 or more the last 5 years.

Thanks again,
Brent

not at all. Easy to get to is a factor.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 10-20

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Great value, good baseball on a sunny summer day and the ability to see many up and coming ball players before they get jaded by huge money.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?
Continue with the concession specials (dollar hot dog/beer nights)

More family friendly promotions to make it more affordable for families to attend games. Example: 25 bucks gets admission to the game, 4 dogs and 4 sodas.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Not very important. My local "A" ball minor league team plays at a glorified high school stadium and I would attend regardless. A new ballpark would be nice but it wouldnt affect my decision to attend any more games per year.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? 50 Miles or less

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? Yes

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?
If the team is in the playoffs I will try to attend more games but generally the success of the team has zero impact on if I go to a game or not.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? 3

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

It is a huge factor for me as I cannot afford MLB prices so I go to the next best thing. My local minor league team offers a great value for the money as there is no parking charges and one can frequently obtain a ticket to the game for the cost of a value meal at any fast food restaurant. If the ticket prices reached double digits I would most likely still attend but maybe not as frequently as I do now. __________________

Probably about 100 (of a possible 114).

I am a season ticket holder. I don't need anything else to bring me into the stadium.

No.

Dollar hot dog and soda nights are great.

Not a factor. My local team plays in a 60 year old stadium and I love the place.

I haven't yet but I would travel 4-5 hours to attend a road game.

Do I? Oh lordy, do I. I have a dozen game worn jerseys and more hats, shirts, and knick knacks than I can count.

No. Unless I get the feeling they are absolutely not trying, the results don't matter. I don't ever look at the standings and don't care if the team makes the playoffs as we don't attend them anyway. Even a few years ago when they were averaging over 4 errors a game, I went every night.

One.

Since I really only attend the games of one team, this is a non-issue. However, that said, parking is free and tickets are cheap ($8 each for the best box seats in the stadium). If that jumped to $5 for parking and $15 for tickets, we'd stop going.

My wife & I are season ticketholders for the Spokane Indians, short season 'A' affiliate of the Texas Rangers. We've had tickets for over a decade.

Posted answers above. I'd be willing to be interviewed as well.

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years?

About 20 - Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers AAA)

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe)

Cost. I can go to a game with my wife and daughter, have dinner there, and get 3 seats 50 feet from home plate for about $60.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why?

Not in general, but the central Texas heat does keep me away from some games in the Summer.

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team?

Let the kids in attendance run the bases after the game.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game?

Middle of the road.

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game?

I travel about 10 miles, but would probably go up to 50.

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise?

In 3 years, I've bought 1 hat.

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games?

No. Winning is nice, getting out to a game is nicer.

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years?

2

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games?

High impact

1. How many minor league baseball games have you attended in the past 3 years? 2 or 3

2. What is the biggest factor that brings you to the ballpark? promotions, day of week, newness of stadium, visiting team, or something else (please describe) Our church had a group outing.

3. Have you stopped attending games? If so, why? No

4. What promotion or marketing event would you recommend to the team? Kids run the bases, players sign autographs after game for kids, free baseball card giveaways, discounts for groups.

5. How important is the newness of the stadium in your decision to attend a ball game? Not real important

6. How far will you travel to attend a minor league baseball game? 1 hour or less

7. Do you buy team branded merchandise? No

8. Does the success of the team factor in your decision to attend games? No

9. How many different minor league ballparks have you visited in the past 5 years? 3 - Ft Wayne and South Bend, Indiana and Peoria, Illinois

10. How much of a factor does parking and ticket prices have on your decision to attend the games? Lots. I don't want to pay much for minor league baseball.

if not on business, not a factor