They looked like the Pigs of old during this double header today vs. Gwinnett. What could go wrong, did. They lost both games, won’t go into anymore detail. It happens now and then.
10,000 tickets were sold for this game, boosted mainly by school students who swarmed The Coke this morning and promptly left after the first game was complete. I would guess about 2-300 stayed making the place feel like any other ballpark. I did notice the “novelties” of the park struggling to perform with so little fan participation and cheers and it gave me a bad feeling about the future.
Looking at Clearwater’s 23 inning loss last night with a paid attendance of 330 fans, yes.. 330 fans it made me wonder how long the fanbase will stick around here in Allentown. Don’t get me wrong, the team is still pulling in great numbers, 8,656 fans a game on average.. which is good for 1st overall in AAA baseball. But I got that sinking feeling that one day we could end up like other teams in our league that, like us, once had thriving ballparks full of fans.
It also brought to mind the real reasons I go to the games. It’s not the pork race or the thrill of seeing AAA baseball. It’s the friends we have formed over the past 4 years. Seeing the kids quickly growing up, sharing stories of the early days and taking a walk around the concourse to visit folks you otherwise wouldn’t know without the opportunity to get together for a ball game. This team has really brought our community together and continues to do so.
I say this because it is not anything that goes on within the baseball themed pinball machine that minor league baseball has become that makes it fun. It’s the fans. Without fans there is no fun and there is no family. Let me take a moment to tip my hat to those who attend Ironpig games regularly and continue to make Coca Cola the best place to watch a baseball game!
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With the recent changes to Facebook, where our “Noise Nation” fan group roster is located, I am getting frustrated with the restrictions and resulting SPAM sent out by the group settings. What I’m looking for is ideas how we, as fans, can form a communications base where we can share information, news and interact while not at the field. I am adding a poll with a few of my suggestions and encourage you to add yours to the comments below.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
I would’ve been there if my work didn’t switch my days off this week and if I would’ve remembered.
Its not easy to get to a baseball game during the day. We had really good attendance for Education #2 that I attended. I think our attendance is good.
But if the Phillies decide to not to continue their contract in Allentown – then I’d be really worried. CCP will be a ghost ballpark. Things could be like PNC Field in SWB…. (shaking my head just thinking about it).
There’s no simple answer to this… minor leagues have been playing weekday-morning games for a long time, and whether it’s just following ancient tradition or adequately training players for big-league day games, there’s not a lot of explanation for it.
And meanwhile, the opponent is one with whom we only play one series in each park. To reschedule one game in some other way, is a lot more difficult in the minors. If this were the Pawsox or Bisons, Landes would be putting it together with a night contest.
And Dean, if there were other towns vying for the Phils’ affiliation, or other organizations interested in A-town, somebody we follow, in the old or new media, would be talking about it.
I have to echo those words Dan. During the off season when I seriouly kicked around the idea of not coming back, I was reminded as to why I like to come to the games….it’s all the friendships I’ve made in the past now 4 seasons. All of you make attending the game alot funner!! Of course I like the baseball too but it’s getting together with good friends and having a good time that does it for me.
I too sincerly hope that the novelty of having a minor league team here in our own backyard doesn’t wear off. Seeing the park empty for game 2 today makes me wonder if this is what’s in store for us if our ‘Pigs kept on losing and the people got tired of coming out. Perhaps it might have dropped a little but hopefully it doesn’t turn out the way it is at other ballparks.
Well, keep on coming out to the ballpark folks and continue to make a trip to CCP alot funner!!
OinK! OinK!
Set up a email group on yahoo – works great – I can help setup if you want
Geez, the same thoughts were going around and around in my mind with game #2. I commented to my husband that this was like a game in Syracuse. Two years ago we attended a game on July 4th weekend. Big weekend and you would think big attendance. Not! About 1300 in the stands and that was generous. But the parking lot. Yikes, about 10,000 waiting for the spectacular fireworks display that is put on each year. It was a fun time at the park and was surprised to see such poor attendance. I remember the days we wanted to attend games there while on vacation and it was tough to get a seat. Now, you can hear the crickets and of course the trains that roll through behind the outfield. Also was wondering how long until the newness and novelty of this wears off here. It would be a shame. And it is more than just baseball. We have made many new friends, connected with people and old acquaintances from the past, and of course there are lots of friends we have not made as of yet. It’s a great way for a family to spend time together. Good clean fun. And a good value for your entertainment dollars. I for one would be disappointed if the crickets and planes taking off started to drown out the crack of the bat.
Go Piggies!
1. the national economy sucks…people are frightened their taxes must surely go up to pay for obama’s reckless and outrageous spending programs…many people are losing their jobs…entertainment (baseball) is an extra, right now people are tightening their belts
2. the national mood sucks…this is the worst malaise since the Carter Administration…it probably will not be improving anytime soon, no matter the cheerleaders in the MSM say
3. i have never seen this country more bitterly divided…i speak only for myself but said loud and clearly i just don’t feel like being in the same place with a bunch of moron obama-voters (the ironpigs own political correctness makes me want to barf, but that would be another matter)
i have every confidence my opinions are extremely unpopular but i could care less…
…the bottom line is i do not spend money at the park because i just don’t feel like it.
that is the ironpigs problem, not mine.