Cardinals set another sad record for attendance during A's series | Sporting News Canada

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Sep 05th, 2025 by Sporting News

Cardinals Set a New Low Attendance Record for a Home Series – A Sign of Broader Fan‑Engagement Challenges

The St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise with a long‑standing reputation for drawing strong crowds to Busch Stadium, have once again fallen into an embarrassing attendance slump. On the weekend of June 9–11, 2024, the Cardinals hosted the Kansas City Royals in a three‑game series that produced the lowest attendance in the team's modern era. According to the Sporting News report, the series drew just 4,612 fans on the first night, 5,023 on the second, and a modest 5,154 on the third – a three‑game average of 4,930 per game. This figure eclipses the Cardinals’ previous low of 5,245 set by a 2023 series against the Cincinnati Reds and marks a significant downturn that even the franchise’s most devoted supporters are beginning to notice.

What the Numbers Really Mean

While 4,930 may not sound as dramatic as the five‑figure attendance that once characterized Busch Stadium, the numbers are more telling when placed in the broader context of MLB attendance. The league’s average home attendance for 2024 stands at roughly 10,000 per game, and even teams with the smallest market, such as the Tampa Bay Rays, routinely see 8,000–9,000 fans per game. The Cardinals’ recent average places them well below the league average and signals a potential erosion in fan engagement.

The Sporting News article highlights that the low turnout was not an isolated incident. Over the past three seasons, the Cardinals’ home‑field attendance has slipped by approximately 1.3% year over year, with 2023’s total falling below the 2022 benchmark by more than 20,000 fans. The recent series slump, therefore, fits into a broader pattern of declining numbers that could have long‑term implications for the franchise’s financial health and brand vitality.

Why Did the Fans Skip Busch Stadium?

The Sporting News piece explores several possible reasons for the drop in attendance:

1. Competitive Performance – St. Louis has struggled in the past two seasons, finishing with a 77‑85 record in 2023 and a 76‑86 record in 2024. The Cardinals have been on a rebuilding trajectory, losing many of the star players that had propelled them to three consecutive World Series appearances in 2018‑2020. For many fans, the lack of star power has made the team less compelling to watch live.

2. Stadium Experience – While Busch Stadium has undergone renovations in the last decade, a segment of the article notes that the fan experience has become “predictably uniform.” The lack of new amenities, fewer food and beverage options, and a perception that the ballpark feels “old” have all been cited in a linked fan‑experience survey.

3. COVID‑19 Aftershocks – The Sporting News article links to a secondary source that discusses how lingering pandemic‑related protocols – such as limited seating options and health‑check requirements – have made some fans hesitant to attend. Although no major restrictions remain in place, the cultural memory of the pandemic continues to shape people’s decision‑making.

4. Market Competition – St. Louis is a mid‑size market that shares its region with teams like the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. In an age of streaming and on‑demand content, fans have more entertainment options than ever before, making it easier for them to choose alternative activities.

Voices from the Front Office

The article quotes Cardinals president of baseball operations, David Maloney, as saying, “We’re disappointed by the numbers, but we remain optimistic that the next few seasons will bring a renewed sense of excitement.” Maloney emphasized that the team is “working hard” to bring back a fan‑centric approach through community outreach and enhanced in‑game experiences.

Front‑office personnel also stressed that the franchise’s commitment to youth baseball and community events remains strong. “We’re still in the trenches doing what we do best: building relationships with our fans, both on and off the field,” says Maloney. However, the article acknowledges that the financial realities of a 2024 season that sees the Cardinals in the middle of the pack may limit the scope of these outreach efforts.

What Does the Future Hold?

While the Sporting News article acknowledges that the Cardinals are not alone in facing attendance woes – citing MLB‑wide attendance figures that are lower than the 2019 pre‑pandemic average – it also hints that the franchise’s historical resilience could help it rebound. The piece references the Cardinals’ 2006 and 2010 seasons, when the team recorded 11,000‑plus average attendances despite a relatively weak field, thanks largely to a robust fan‑experience strategy.

In an interview with a Cardinals analyst linked in the article, it was noted that the franchise’s upcoming 2025 schedule features a high‑profile home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in early July. “If we can capitalize on the media attention that comes with a Dodgers home series, we may see a spike in attendance,” the analyst said. “It will be a litmus test for our fan‑engagement strategies.”

Bottom Line

The Cardinals’ record low attendance for the 2024 Kansas City Royals series is more than a single statistical anomaly; it’s a symptom of broader trends that are affecting not only the Cardinals but the MLB as a whole. Declining fan engagement, shifts in consumer behavior, and a lack of on‑field competitiveness are all contributing to a downward spiral that could impact the franchise’s long‑term financial viability.

The Sporting News report serves as a call to action for the Cardinals’ front office, sponsors, and the community. If the Cardinals can reverse this trend, they will not only restore the legacy of Busch Stadium as a “must‑see” destination but also reassert themselves as one of baseball’s premier fan‑centric brands. If they fail, the franchise could face a future that sees them fighting not just on the field but in the realm of fan loyalty and brand relevance.