Naturals attendance rises at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale
by September 6, 2023 1:22 pm 630 views
Northwest Arkansas Naturals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals attendance is up double digits at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Through 50 games this year, attendance had increased by 11.4% to 192,745 from 172,911 in the same number of games last year.
“It has been a great 2023 season so far,” said Justin Cole, vice president and general manager of the Naturals. “The community has always supported the team well, and we continue to see that trend increasing the last couple of years. Our attendance and overall business are doing well.”
The Naturals (57-69 through Sept. 4), the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, are “competing for the second-half Texas League division currently, so that adds another layer as we approach the finish to the 2023 season,” Cole added. “Former Razorback Cayden Wallace was also recently assigned to the Naturals, adding yet another fun development for our fans to come see and follow down the stretch.”
So far this year, the most attended game was Independence Day, with 6,656 fans. It was one of four games with more than 6,000 fans. The most attended game last year was Sept. 14, with 6,246 fans. It was the only game with over 6,000 fans. The last home game of the 2023 season is Sept. 17.
Some of the new features at Arvest Ballpark this year comprise the addition of attractions and inflatables in the kids zone, Cole said. Also, new in-between innings games were added. And, the Naturals had three Theme Jersey promotions, with the Growlin Chickens returning in May, Los Naturales playing one game in May and two in August, and a Marvel Defenders of the Diamond night.
“All of those events feature themed merchandise and other fun additions to the ballpark experience,” Cole said.
The Naturals recently released the 2024 home schedule with April 5 opening day, Memorial Day weekend, July 3 and Labor Day weekend games. The Naturals are in the early stages of planning for next year, but fans can expect more new items in the kid zone area, Cole said.
The Naturals have 15 full-time staff, with two employees expected to join soon.