3 Reasons Target Field Attendance Continues to Be Sparse

[Cody Christie]

The Twins signed baseball's biggest free agent, and the team is on pace to win well over 90-games. Even with these factors, there are reasons Target Field attendance continues to be sparse.

So far in 2022, the Twins rank 22nd in baseball attendance, with an average of 17,869 fans per game. This total ranks Minnesota just ahead of non-contending teams like Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. Last season, the Twins averaged 16,377 fans, which ranked 19th in baseball. There were some attendance restrictions to start 2021, so the 2019 season paints a better attendance picture. The Bomba-Squad Twins won the AL Central in 2019 and averaged 28,322 fans per game (15th in baseball). 

Minnesota has hope that attendance will improve in the months ahead. Here are three reasons for optimism. Maybe you have more ideas. Why do you think that attendance has been slow to start the season?

Summer Starting Now
Memorial Day Weekend tends to mark the unofficial start of summer. College students have wrapped up their semester, and many high schools celebrate their graduation in the coming days. Families from across the Twin Cities can start planning summer trips to Target Field. Local families can start bringing younger students to evening games because school is done for the year. College students can meet up downtown and attend a game together as they return home for the summer. Attendance tends to improve in the months ahead, especially if the weather cooperates and the team continues winning. 

Cold Weather
Cold weather has plagued baseball throughout this spring, keeping fans away from the ballpark. Cold weather is also considered one of the reasons offense is down across baseball. In fact, the leaguewide batting average of .231 was the lowest through April in MLB history, and the .675 OPS was the lowest since 1968, which was The Year of the Pitcher. Offensive numbers tend to improve as the weather warms up throughout the season. Minnesota's .717 OPS currently ranks as MLB's tenth best, and only three AL teams rank ahead of the Twins. Scoring more runs can be exciting and bring more people out to the ballpark. 

Rebounding from 2020 and 2021
Fans didn't get to attend games in 2020, and the Twins were out of contention before the calendar turned to May during the 2021 season. Attendance tends to lag behind a team's on-field performance. Season ticket totals and renewals corollate to how well a team did the previous year. Minnesota suffered one of the club's most disappointing seasons in recent memory in 2021, so it makes sense that attendance reflects a team on the rebound. 

The hype around signing Carlos Correa helped sell tickets before the season, but one player can only draw so many fans. If the team continues to play well, attendance will improve, and next year's numbers should look even better. 

Overall, fans likely won't care about how many people are in the stands at any given home game. Shorter lines for food and bathrooms can be positive with fewer people in attendance. However, more fans in the stands can be a benefit to provide a home-field advantage for a team fighting for playoff contention. Luckily, the team's sparse attendance should begin to improve in the weeks ahead. 

Do you think fans should be worried about early season attendance? Will crowds come back this summer? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[strumdatjag]

3 Other factors:

1.  Crime in Minneapolis, especially downtown. 
2.  Inflation fears.

3.   Wild and Wolves in playoffs, competing for sports fans’ dollars (although that doesn’t explain the recent poor attendance).  
 

[Squirrel]

We had this discussion in the Twins Talk forum a week or so ago. If anyone wants to catch up with that discussion, here's the link: 

 

[DJL44]

I think a lot of Minnesota families make their summer plans during the winter. Baseball was in the middle of a lockout this winter. I'll bet a lot of families changed their plans from a trip to Target Field to a different vacation.

[Byrdman]

Weather and inflation

People can barely afford food and gas now and days.  We cut out going to Twins games simply because our spending on essentials has gone up due to inflation.  We are paying almost 300$ more per month on food and gas alone. That was our monthly spending on fun.  

[Drunk_Goose]

I think its more for financial reasons than anything else. Why spend the prices they want when you could just as easily watch from home for free and use that money for more prudent needs? Everybody loves going to watch their favorite team from the bleachers, but with the prices the way they are that's a hard thing to do. I'd be in the same boat if I lived in Minneapolis as far as hardly making any games.

 

[SF Twins Fan]

• Not winning a playoff game in how many years?
• Being awful last season.
• Twins aren't on TV for me (youtube.tv) so I just forget about them.
• I can see the Twins easily falling out of the playoff race once they start facing teams that are actually good.  

[Karbo]

I can't speak for anyone else but I made the decision to quit going to the games based on a few things. 

1- Money. Being on Social Security my income just isn't keeping up with inflation and between cost for gas and parking and tickets not to mention concessions it is a big expense. I have made it a point in past years to get to 1 game a month but....

2-The last 4 games I've gone too have had the "B' lineups playing and I just wont pay the above money to watch.

3-As an older person its getting more difficult to navigate downtown. Have to drive almost an hour to get there, then find a lot to park, then walk a few blocks to the stadium. Tough for a partially handicapped old guy to do.

4-Still upset over the way the whole labor situation was handled by BOTH sides. But thats a story thats been argued over in other places at other times.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Drunk_Goose said:

Why spend the prices they want when you could just as easily watch from home for free

I wish I could watch from home for free. Adding a cable subscription would be $75 a month for me. At least it was $75 when I dropped it. I did a search now to see how much it costs and it won't even let me see the prices until I login and put it in the cart. Cable TV is so expensive now they don't even want to tell you how much it costs!

I will stick to listening on the radio and watching the highlights on my phone.

[Mark G]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

I can't speak for anyone else but I made the decision to quit going to the games based on a few things. 

1- Money. Being on Social Security my income just isn't keeping up with inflation and between cost for gas and parking and tickets not to mention concessions it is a big expense. I have made it a point in past years to get to 1 game a month but....

2-The last 4 games I've gone too have had the "B' lineups playing and I just wont pay the above money to watch.

3-As an older person its getting more difficult to navigate downtown. Have to drive almost an hour to get there, then find a lot to park, then walk a few blocks to the stadium. Tough for a partially handicapped old guy to do.

4-Still upset over the way the whole labor situation was handled by BOTH sides. But thats a story thats been argued over in other places at other times.

I can't find an argument with a single bullet point you listed.  All are partially, or even mostly accurate.  I would only add the point that, for me at least, the caliber of competition has hurt as well.  We have played a total of 8 games against teams of any type of playoff contending caliber (only 5 at home), and paying the prices they charge for bottom of their division teams hasn't sold so far.  If this team proves itself against upper level competition and appears to be a real contender, the attendance will rise; otherwise............

The other point you made that is the biggest factor for me is the fact you never know from game to game who is going to play at all and, if so, where.  Musical chair lineups don't sell tickets; recognition and loyalty does.  I know who I am willing to pay to see play, and I have no guarantee on any given day any of them will be in the lineup (Buxton, for instance?).  

[MMMordabito]

That's an incomplete and wishful thinking list.

Karbo's response is more in line with what the real reasons are. Even if you aren't older and handicapped trying to navigate downtown, you still may have to deal with the complete clusterf*** that is the LRT after night games.  The crowds on the trains aren't the problem either.  It's the complete mismanagement of the lines and the out-of-service cars that happens when the games let out.

[mikelink45]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

I can't speak for anyone else but I made the decision to quit going to the games based on a few things. 

1- Money. Being on Social Security my income just isn't keeping up with inflation and between cost for gas and parking and tickets not to mention concessions it is a big expense. I have made it a point in past years to get to 1 game a month but....

2-The last 4 games I've gone too have had the "B' lineups playing and I just wont pay the above money to watch.

3-As an older person its getting more difficult to navigate downtown. Have to drive almost an hour to get there, then find a lot to park, then walk a few blocks to the stadium. Tough for a partially handicapped old guy to do.

4-Still upset over the way the whole labor situation was handled by BOTH sides. But thats a story thats been argued over in other places at other times.

You really covered a lot of the important points.  Time of game is an issue too, with another post pointing to crime concerns, late night after 3 hour games is not something many people are pleased with.  

The lock out created terribly negative reactions in fans and like the previous strikes it takes a lot to bring fans back.  The lockout was stupid, so much negativity in a sport that is fighting to hold its place among the professional leagues.  We now have every option in sports and we have a wonderful set of options for people who do not care about sports.

I do worry that baseball seems to have lost  its way in the public arena. 

[AceWrigley]

I'd go to a Twins game, but the commute is 2,778 miles. ?

[MMMordabito]

Does anyone who watched any of the game yesterday (5/25 vs Detroit) think there were really 20,375 people there?

[Rosterman]

The LOCKOUT didn't help.

Coming off a losing season, which was coming off a no-fan 2020, doesn't help.

As a lifelong Twin Citian, I don't feel safe taking the lightrail right now, leaving my car pacrked in a light rail lot or on a Minneapolis city street. I also don't want to walk from what was once my favorite inexpensive parking lots off Washington, or by the Orpheum.

I did park in the ramp when went to the Dodger series.

The weather has not been delightful.

There are bargains to be had, but when you add up tickets, parking, food...it ain't cheap. But you can get a cheap ticket season ticket plan and then  sit pretty much anyplace where there are empty seats.

How have the Twins been marketing baseball, above and beyond the Bally coverage? COVID is, sadly, keeping them from getting players out into the community. There doesn't seem to be the coverage we expected in the past on WCCO. Where is the ads? Still trying to sell Target Field rather than the team (who is the face of the team sans Buxton, and he still needs to build into that position).

People are still trying to figure out how to spend their spare change. And with summer upon us, everyone will be asking for it...and gas will keep you local (which could be good for the Twins) or people just don't care about baseball as much as they did in 2019.

2020 hurt the game with the worthless short season. 2021 was a disaster for selling the Twins. The Lockout almsot killed baseball for many - greed is still in the minds of many who love the game or just view it in passing.

[heresthething]

Until the Twins prove they are a legit team who can consistently play .500 ball against playoff caliber teams I'm not spending the money.

[dex8425]

I go to 4-8 games/month. I'd say the main reasons for low attendance, in order:

1.The weather has been awful. Really cold and wet April. Heck, even yesterday it was cold. It was like 35 degrees the whole Dodgers series. 

2. The team sucked last year.

3. It's very difficult to watch the Twins games. (most people don't have cable or directv and the blackouts...) 

4. There are a number of people who either are afraid to go downtown or don't want to support downtown businesses

5. People are afraid of covid and still not really traveling to places with large crowds of maskless people. 

6. Casual fans don't go to games until school gets out and the weather gets nice, regardless of how good the team is.

 

Most game attenders are casual fans who have no idea the lockout even happened. Most casual fans have no idea offense is way down across the league. 

[wsnydes]

For me, I stopped going to a lot of week day games because I work early.  Games are too long.  The earlier start in April, May and September helps but not enough to really entice me unless I'm interested in a particular game.  

The fact that many, myself included, can't watch games is pretty harmful in my view.  Out of sight, out of mind.  

Current inflation and financial concerns are a pretty good reason for families and those on fixed incomes to avoid going to games.  

[Markdumont25]

As someone who actually lives in the city (roughly a mile from Target Field), the comments on downtown crime being a factor are frustrating. Is it worse than it was 3 years ago? Yea. But I spend sooo much time in the area around Target Field and the idea someone would avoid a game and supporting your team because of safety concerns is eye-roll inducing. You have a much higher chance getting in a car accident on the way there than being a victim of a crime in the 4 hours you're in the city to see a game. Sadly I think it probably is a factor but it shouldn't be...do some shadowboxing, get your courage up and come support the team.

[theBOMisthebomb]

Attending a live sporting event doesn't have the same appeal that it did a generation or two ago. With high def television and immediately accessible highlights and game recaps, much of the  appeal and advantages of going to the game are lost. I personally enjoy being outside and watching the game from where I want to and how I want to. Also, Target Field is just an awesome experience each and every time. 

I believe all of the reasons given so far are valid. Each person's reasons for not attending are their own. However, the cost argument gets to me a bit. The Twins are nearly giving away tickets at this point (recent $4 and $9 deals). There's $12 parking in Ramp A (cheaper parking close to the stadium as well). You can bring in your own bottled water and outside food into Target Field. There are family-friendly concession stands, located in Sections 133 and 327 with hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, soda and canned beer under $5. I have friends and family that won't go even when you offer them free ticket and free transportation even though they claim to be Twins fans. It's difficult to get off the couch and some people don't want to be bothered with going to the games. Others are fans and just simply don't like going to the games. 

[USAFChief]

There are a lot of valid issues raised here.

Even though I dont live in the area, I get to games fairly often and here are some things that might help:

- I don't think coming downtown exposed one to more crime risk than anywhere else.

- park for free at Mall of America and ride light rail downtown. Dropped off literally right at a TF gate. Dropped off back at MOA. $5 round trip. 

-there's a family food section behind CF on the main concourse level. $2 soda $2 hotdogs every day. I don't drink beer so I don't know the price, but it's something like $4. They have cheap nachos and such too.

- while you're there, the mini donut stand is right next door. $6 for a pretty big bag, enough for 2 or 3 people.

Upper deck skyline seats are cheap. Get them at the park and save the service fees. If you have a  military ID, take advantage. I got lower seats 13 rows from the left field line Monday night for $13.50.

You can go to a Twins game for not much more than a movie, and the food can actually be cheaper.

 

 

[jimmyc]

6 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

3 Other factors:

1.  Crime in Minneapolis, especially downtown. 
2.  Inflation fears.

3.   Wild and Wolves in playoffs, competing for sports fans’ dollars (although that doesn’t explain the recent poor attendance).  
 

1.  Awful damn weather, though they had 20,000 in yesterday's cold rain!!

2.  COVID carry over/Disappointment of 2021 season.

Fear of crime?  If you are afraid, you can park in ABC right next to Target Field and walk to your car with 10,000 other people.  Just like always.

Inflation fears?? maybe...  I have not heard people talking about making major changes due to inflation.  Just talk about the price of gas.

Wolves and Wild did obviously take away attention. 

[TheLeviathan]

Phoenix is a long gameday commute....

[MMMordabito]

25 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

- I don't think coming downtown exposed one to more crime risk than anywhere else.

- park for free at Mall of America and ride light rail downtown. Dropped off literally right at a TF gate. Dropped off back at MOA. $5 round trip. 

This is true. However, if you plan to ride the LRT from MOA to Target Field, you will be exposed to "urban culture".  Some people aren't comfortable with it, and they often mistakenly associate this with crime.  

[PopRiveter]

4 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I wish I could watch from home for free. Adding a cable subscription would be $75 a month for me. At least it was $75 when I dropped it. I did a search now to see how much it costs and it won't even let me see the prices until I login and put it in the cart. Cable TV is so expensive now they don't even want to tell you how much it costs!

I will stick to listening on the radio and watching the highlights on my phone.

I'm deep in love with this team so I was going to bite the bullet and start a cable subscription, but the very cheapest option with Bally was $90 per month. I can't rationalize that. I instead decided that I'd watch all the innings I can at friends' homes and restaurants. I often have to pick up my daughter from the restaurant where she works, so I've been getting in the habit of arriving an hour early, buying a beer and sipping it over as many innings as I can stretch it. My plan is costing me less than $90 a month and it comes with beer!

[USAFChief]

31 minutes ago, MMMordabito said:

This is true. However, if you plan to ride the LRT from MOA to Target Field, you will be exposed to "urban culture".  Some people aren't comfortable with it, and they often mistakenly associate this with crime.  

Well, I guess. I have another name for that, but to each his own. 

I rode LRT both ways twice this week. Zero issues or concerns, except internet connection on my phone through that *** **** tunnel by the airport. 

[Epravens]

Weather, the lockout, a manager whose very questionable competency hardly inspires confidence in the product and the reality of a downtown that is more dangerous than ever before (and I worked downtown for many, many years). With that said I did shell out $300 for premium seats to an upcoming Twins game. But the game will be taking place at Chase Field in Arizona.

[Brandon]

Real reason for low attendance:

Chicks dig the long ball.  MLB is suppressing the long ball.  There are fewer chicks at games as a result.  The guys are noticing so they stopped coming so they could go out to impress chicks.   

[Epravens]

1 hour ago, MMMordabito said:

This is true. However, if you plan to ride the LRT from MOA to Target Field, you will be exposed to "urban culture".  Some people aren't comfortable with it, and they often mistakenly associate this with crime.  

 

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

There are a lot of valid issues raised here.

Even though I dont live in the area, I get to games fairly often and here are some things that might help:

- I don't think coming downtown exposed one to more crime risk than anywhere else.

- park for free at Mall of America and ride light rail downtown. Dropped off literally right at a TF gate. Dropped off back at MOA. $5 round trip. 

-there's a family food section behind CF on the main concourse level. $2 soda $2 hotdogs every day. I don't drink beer so I don't know the price, but it's something like $4. They have cheap nachos and such too.

- while you're there, the mini donut stand is right next door. $6 for a pretty big bag, enough for 2 or 3 people.

Upper deck skyline seats are cheap. Get them at the park and save the service fees. If you have a  military ID, take advantage. I got lower seats 13 rows from the left field line Monday night for $13.50.

You can go to a Twins game for not much more than a movie, and the food can actually be cheaper.

 

 

At the risk of facing a permanent ban I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the downtown perils. While I'm retired from a business that worked very closely with the Minnesota Twins (I spent in excess of 100 days on site during the construction of TF) and our offices were/are within walking distance I was chatting recently with a former co-worker who said he would not, under any circumstances, consider making that journey on foot after the sun goes down. The safety of parking at MOA is for another discussion. Cheers!

[USAFChief]

20 minutes ago, Epravens said:

 

At the risk of facing a permanent ban I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the downtown perils. While I'm retired from a business that worked very closely with the Minnesota Twins (I spent in excess of 100 days on site during the construction of TF) and our offices were/are within walking distance I was chatting recently with a former co-worker who said he would not, under any circumstances, consider making that journey on foot after the sun goes down. The safety of parking at MOA is for another discussion. Cheers!

I got the cheap food right, though?