There were quite a few empty seats last night for the second game ever at Marlins Park, and the announced paid figure of 30,169 appeared to clearly exceed the actual number, as is often the case in many ballparks. But take a look at crowd trends for other ballparks that have opened in recent years. With only a few exceptions, the second-game attendance numbers are lower -- no surprise given the buildup for every new ballpark opening. Some of the dropoffs, though, are more pronounced than others:
Marlins Park (2012) -- First game: 36,601; Second game: 30,169
Target Field (2010) -- First game: 38,145; Second game: 38,164
Yankee Stadium (2009) -- First game: 48,271; Second game: 45,101
Citi Field (2009) -- First game: 41,007; Second game: 35,581
Nationals Park (2008) -- First game: 39,389; Second game: 20,487
Busch Stadium (2006) -- First game: 41,936; Second game: 40.648
Citizens Bank Park (2004) -- First game: 41,626; Second game: 37,519
Petco Park (2004) -- First game: 41,400; Second game: 41,625
Great American (2003) -- First game: 43,343; Second game: 22,878
Miller Park (2001) -- First game: 42,024; Second game: 40,651
PNC Park (2001) -- First game: 36,954; Second game: 35,045
Minute Maid (2000) -- First game: 41,583; Second game: 39,018
Comerica Park (2000) -- First game: 39,168; Second game: 21,405
AT&T Park (2000) -- First game: 40,930; Second game: 40,930
Safeco Field (1999) -- First game: 44,607; Second game: 43,252
Chase Field (1998) -- First game: 47,484; Second game: 43,758
already making excuses,or looking for ones
Posted by: Dog ate homework | April 14, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Still is way more than the Marlins normally got at Sun Life.
Posted by: Bob | April 14, 2012 at 12:05 PM
wow, this is the lamest excuse ever... just like the ones who wrote about the rain... didn't they spend tens of millions on a roof for just this type of weather?
Posted by: Joe | April 14, 2012 at 12:06 PM
It's because of the Ozzie boycott
Posted by: Miami Cuban | April 14, 2012 at 12:20 PM
it was way past the cuban protesters bedtime
Posted by: another excuse | April 14, 2012 at 12:36 PM
As soon as people visit the new stadium, they say, "been there done that." They will not be going again.
With that horrendous parking situation, the number will eventually hover at a woeful 5,000 per game.
Posted by: Juan | April 14, 2012 at 01:12 PM
good thing they had daddy yankee packing them in last nite...when are they gonna have mommy red sox?
Posted by: effin joke | April 14, 2012 at 01:47 PM
effin joke, it is a joke since the Marlins played the Astros NOT the YANKEES. I see you follow the team closely. what a moron.
Posted by: Mike | April 14, 2012 at 02:56 PM
The cubs series should me more telling. That brand attracts more fans and two it's during the week. If they get 30000 on a Wednesday that's a pretty good number. Plus we've yet to see the Phils and Mets who usually have a good crowd on hand as well.
Posted by: Glags | April 14, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Why is attendance a big issue for the Marlins? Everytime I see SportCenter and watch baseball highlights most of the time the stadium is pretty empty. Unless it a game between 2 rivals.
Posted by: justwondering | April 14, 2012 at 03:51 PM
Hey Mike, the performer after Friday's game is named Daddy Yankee. Who's the moron now?
Posted by: Jacob | April 14, 2012 at 04:04 PM
Maybe because the heat and panthers were playing in South FL at the same time...how has no one mentioned that
Posted by: AtlantaCubano | April 14, 2012 at 04:43 PM
I don't care how well the excuses are presented. That ballpark being 1/3 empty on the 2nd day of it's major league existence is troubling.
Posted by: Stan M | April 14, 2012 at 04:50 PM
maybe it's because it's the Marlins and they have a fan base of zilch...maybe because it was friday the 13th and their new fan base is superstious....maybe because their fans are stupid,like Mike above, maybe because fill in the blank_____________________
Posted by: Lots of excuses | April 14, 2012 at 04:56 PM
Oh, please this is mostly because, for the most part, people in Miami don't care about the Marlins.
Empty seats at SunLife will transfer to the new ballpark.
Posted by: Nichina | April 14, 2012 at 06:29 PM
Where are all the Black marlins fans at the stadium? Oh, they work there.
Posted by: Sharpton | April 14, 2012 at 08:05 PM
That's not necessary!!!
Posted by: Glags | April 14, 2012 at 09:10 PM
who cares?
Posted by: marlinsfan30177 | April 14, 2012 at 09:26 PM
the parking is terrible and the prices for beer and food are obscene. I may not go back till later in the year when I can get a $5 ticket from someone.
Posted by: Got Game | April 15, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Excuses! Excuses!
3 teams had significant drops for game 2. Chicago, Cincinnati and DC can all have bad weather in April and have no roof.
The Marlins have those same issues, right?
Posted by: Davidwakeman | April 18, 2012 at 08:02 PM
I live in Miami and give a hoot about the Marlins!! I won't go even if they gave me a ticket!
Posted by: Whatever | April 28, 2012 at 11:16 PM