Page 27 - LVGL Summer 2019

Talkin’ Baseball
AVIATOR ATTENDANCE IS A HOME RUN

as Vegas Ballpark was designed with one objective in mind: "The place is really cool," says Logan, who has been with Las Vegas'
Provide every guest who walks through the gates with an Triple-A franchise since its second season in 1984, serving as an
Lexperience that's equally as memorable as it is enjoyable. As the executive since 1986. "The primary reason we went with mesh seats was
Aviators continue their inaugural season at the new stadium, attendance to keep fans cool during the summer. But the secondary residual benefit
is at a record high for the program. Within the first 24 home games, they is how comfortable they are. Also, the way the seats are sloped, it's easier
had 20 sellouts. The club is also leading all 30 Triple-A franchises in to see the game. Plus, the scoreboard and sound system are incredible,
total and per-game attendance. "I knew it was going to be really good," the food options are second to none, and the destinations in the park like
says Don Logan, president and COO of the Aviators. "I didn't know it the kids play area and the outfield bar are really popular. Then there's the
would be this good." And based on current pace, the year-end projection unique perspective from [beyond] the outfield, whether you're in the
leads to 673,000 fans—a figure that would shatter the franchise's single- pool or you're walking along the left-field wall—you just don't get that
season record of 387,815 set in 1992, when the team was known as the at any other ballpark.
Las Vegas Stars. That first-class approach was certainly appreciated by Southern
Why is attendance so good? Ask Logan to pinpoint the reason fans Nevada baseball fans, who purchased season tickets in record numbers
have been flocking to the new ballpark in Downtown Summerlin, and prior to the start of the season—in fact, every seat between the dugouts
he'll mention several factors. First and foremost, he credits his entire staff is sold out.
for their long hours of hard work that started months before the April 9 A few of the advantages (beyond youth) that Las Vegas Ballpark has
home opener (and have continued since). Then there's the ballpark itself, over the franchise's previous home of Cashman Field include the location
a state-of-the-art, 10,000-seat facility loaded with amenities from top to in Summerlin, which is nearly 1,000 feet higher and 5 to 7 degrees cooler
bottom and all points in between. than downtown Las Vegas; large ceiling fans circulating air throughout
During the stadium's early planning stages, Logan and General the concourse; the swimming pool that's available to groups on a per-
Manager Chuck Johnson traveled to multiple new-age Triple-A venues. game basis; and water features in the kids' zone.
Logan says those visits inspired ideas such as the group party decks down This much is certain: That all-time attendance figure from 1992 will
the left- and right-field lines, the kids' play zone and the Hangar Bar just soon drop to second place. And nobody is happier about that than
beyond the swimming pool in right-center field. Just as integral to the Logan, who has long believed there's truth to the old baseball cliché "If
ballpark's appeal are unique features like 22 spacious suites, comfortable you build it, they will come."
mesh seating throughout, a wide concourse, numerous first-rate food
options, a massive LED scoreboard and the opportunity for fans to circle
the stadium 360 degrees throughout the game.

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