Wilson: WCBL smashes attendance mark

Record numbers of fans are crowding into Western Canadian Baseball League ballparks this summer. Photo: WCBL

July 29, 2024

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

Record numbers of fans are crowding into Western Canadian Baseball League ballparks this summer to enjoy collegiate baseball at the highest level.

The WCBL has seen attendance reach 307,642 people over 286 games during the 2024 regular season, surpassing the 305,425 fans who showed up during the 2023 regular season.

"The record attendance is a testament to the unyielding passion and dedication of our fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere that elevates the experience for players and spectators alike," said Mark Stiles, the WCBL's managing director of corporate partnerships and marketing.

"The stretch drive and playoffs will take us to attendance numbers the WCBL has never seen. We are no longer a best-kept secret. Thank you to our amazing fans for helping us reach new heights."

The average crowd size in the 12-team league has been 1,076 fans per game.

Leading the charge is the Okotoks Dawgs, who have welcomed 108,477 baseball boosters to Seaman Stadium this year, resulting in a record average crowd of 4,716 per home date.

The expansion Saskatoon Berries have also provided a big bump at the gates. In their first season of operation, the Berries have drawn 43,645 fans to NexGen Patch at Cairns Field, resulting in a typical attendance of 1,898 each game. The Berries have the second best attendance figures in the WCBL and they are the top draw in the East Division.

The Sylvan Lake Gulls, averaging 1,532 fans per game, and the Medicine Hat Mavericks - with 1,193 spectators at each home date - have also produced steady traffic.

Attendance is also up from last year for the Regina Red Sox and Fort McMurray Giants.

More than 350,000 fans attended WCBL regular season and playoff games, as well as the All-Star Game festivities, in 2023.

The league is on track to break that overall attendance mark this year and the total number could approach the 400,000 level if all goes well.

The final day of the WCBL regular season is Aug. 5, with all 12 teams taking the field across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The postseason is set to run from Aug. 7 through Aug. 17, with qualifying teams squaring off in best-of-three matchups.