Part 2/8:
In the realm of professional sports, attendance is a critical metric for gauging fan satisfaction. The presence of fans in the stands is their way of conveying support—or discontent—for their teams. Notably, the significance of attendance has become prominent as MLB reported its highest attendance figures since 2017, with over 71.3 million fans attending games across North America in 2024. The trend of growing attendance over consecutive seasons suggests that baseball is making a comeback following the pandemic's impact.
Yet, this optimism contrasts sharply with the attendance reports from specific markets early in the 2025 season. The contrast provokes inquiry into what causes fans to stay away, especially in cities like Chicago, Sacramento, and St. Louis.