The Economy Still

This weekend the best two teams in baseball are playing a three game series in Tampa. The Rays sold out a three game series in advance of the series starting for the first time in their history. That is the good news in major league baseball. Attendance is off 15% and sports announcers swear attendance is down because of the lack of home runs. There have been five no hitter or perfect games pitched this season. Those announcers will tell you people want to see a home run not a strike out.

I think most of those experts are the people who drive into the stadium and never dole out $20.00 to park. When they enter the gate they have a pass which they dont' pay another $20 or more to get one seat much less the rest of the family. These experts are also the people who have buffett in the press area and don't shell out $7 one one hot dog.

I understand that people want to see winners over teams that lose. During the heyday of Braves baseball on WTBS the crowds in Atlanta would wait to see Dale Murphy bat for what they thought was the last time in the game in the bottom of the eighth and then go home.

The real reason people aren't going to the games is they can't afford to go. Yes those that go one time of year still go. The guy who goes ten times a year is down to twice a year.

The Yankees still have not sold all those high price luxury boxes in the new Yankee Stadium. The Jets new football stadium is a long way from selling the PSL's.

If you talk to a Carolina fan they think they just might play in their first BCS football game this Christmas holiday season and yet they are advertising right now tickets available to football games. It effects anybody that has a product to sell and seats to fill. People just don't have the money they had five years ago.

The local level will be affected also. Rocky Mount High school has but four home games this year. Why is for another day to discuss. Seven road games puts a stress on the budget which will mean those four home games need butts in the seat to watch the games. If we go see a team play more when they win or losing Rocky Mount needs to get off to a good start this football season.

There are special days in any calendar year which need to be a holiday. First day of hunting season etc. First day of football practice is the same. Monday all high school sports start preparing for competition.

Tonight on WHIG-TV at 8.00pm "The Stretchlon Sports Show " will salute the Midget League State Champs. Jeremy Stewart and his team will be live on air tonight.