Baseball’s Basement Dwellers Draw Crowds in Denver Despite Dismal Seasons
The 20-67 Colorado Rockies and 28-59 Chicago White Sox—the worst teams in their respective leagues—open a three-game series at Coors Field on Friday night to what’s expected to be a packed house. While neither club has given fans much to cheer about on the field, the Rockies continue to draw crowds at a surprising rate.
A Race to Avoid History
- Rockies: Started 9-50 (worst since 1889) but have since gone 10-17—still on pace for 113 losses
- White Sox: Hold the modern MLB loss record (121 in 2023)—a sweep would help them avoid another brutal mark
- Attendance Contrast:
- White Sox: 27th in MLB (16,612 avg.)
- Rockies: League-average 29,501 despite struggles
Why Are Fans Still Showing Up?
1. Coors Field Experience
- Ranked 7th-best MLB park (SI) between Dodger Stadium & Camden Yards
- $3 pre-game beers on the rooftop patio with mountain views
- Allows outside food, a fan-favorite policy
2. Denver’s Summer Appeal
- Sunny, mild weather (on par with Miami & L.A.)
- Downtown location makes it a social destination
3. Fireworks Factor
- Post-game shows on Friday & Saturday have nearly sold out the park
- Only remaining seats marked “Fireworks Obstructed View”
Bigger Than Baseball
Despite:
- No winning season since 2018
- 26th in team value (Sportico)
- 21st in payroll ($120M)
- No regional TV network
…the Rockies remain a top-half attendance team, proving fans come as much for the ballpark vibe as the on-field product.
Upcoming Games
- Friday & Saturday: Fireworks nights (limited tickets left)
- Sunday: Final series matchup (no fireworks)
For those who can’t snag a seat? The Rockies’ social media says it best: “There’s no better place to catch a game.” (Even if the game itself might be rough.)
First Pitch: Friday, 6:40 p.m. MT at Coors Field.