The Jackson Generals are doing well both on the field and at the bank.
The Generals — the Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners — have announced that turnstile attendance at Pringles Park is up by 18 percent over this point last season.
Jackson won the first half championship in the North Division of the SL when it featured a collection of heralded pitching prospects, several of whom have already been promoted to the Triple-A ranks.
“To date, we’ve had a remarkable year,” General Manager Jason Compton said. “We’re deeply appreciative of the many folks in West Tennessee that have come out to the ballpark so far this summer.”
Several factors appear to be combining to create the uptick in attendance, according to the team’s GM.
“Our roster has included 5-to-10 future major leaguers and was probably the best club in all of minor league baseball during the first half,” Compton said. “We’ve worked seamlessly with city leadership to make improvements to the facility — both in the aesthetics and the concessions traffic flow — so fans are much prouder of their stadium.
“Finally, we’ve worked very hard to improve the in-game atmosphere and entertainment, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.”
The team has also drawn huge crowds for its regular fireworks shows — a fan favorite in the past — and also has benefitted from several other promotions of various kinds.
Whatever the reason, the Generals are shattering records this season.
While the team won the Southern League’s First Half pennant race by seven games, paid attendance is up 10 percent over last year. Turnstile attendance is up 18 percent, and revenues are up 13 percent, according to Compton.
The turnstile and revenue figures are the club’s highest in five years.
“We have a chance to do something real special this season,” Compton added. “A Southern League Championship and finishing higher in the league attendance standings than we have in a decade are all real possibilities.
“We just need the same support in the final 30 games of the season as we have enjoyed during the first 40.”
The Generals are back home at Pringles Park on Sunday as they start a brief three-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits at 6:05 p.m.
Jackson is tied for first early in the second half of the SL race.
Tickets for Generals home games can be purchased at the Generals Box Office at Pringles Park, online at www.jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or by calling (731) 988-5299. Published in The WCP 6.28.12