Declining attendance in Granville. How low will it go?

Photo from 2019 Season - Monongalia County Ballpark - Granville, WV

The West Virginia Black Bears have completed their regular season home game schedule and are still in the race for a playoff spot. Although the last two games were the best attended games of the season, annual attendance continues to decline in Granville.

When the New York-Penn League team relocated from Jamestown, New York in 2015, the exciting atmosphere was contagious. Minor League Baseball had arrived to play in the brand new Monongalia County Ballpark. The Black Bears won the league championship in their first year in Granville, and almost 84,000 fans attended games.

What has happened since is troubling. Attendance has declined each year since the inaugural championship season (see below). How much lower can it go?

	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Home Games	37	36	37	38	37
Total Attendance	83,796	78,774	75,064	69,430	62,846
Average Attendance	2,265	2,188	2,029	1,827	1,699

I have been a season ticket holder all five seasons, attending over 150 games. I have observed the decline firsthand. I will once again complete the annual season-ticket holder evaluation. Hopefully, my suggestions will not fall on deaf ears. I want to see the team succeed and my criticisms are intended to provide the front office with feedback that helps them improve their product.

The New York-Penn League concludes the regular season tomorrow and the playoffs begin on Wednesday, September 4. Get ticket information at this link.

See you at the ballpark!

Source for attendance figures: MiLB.com

Photo Credit: NY-Penn League History

NY-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or any of its teams.