Akron ranked a Top-10 Minor League Market by Sports Business Journal
"Akron ranked 10th among 211 markets in the survey, which compiled and reviewed data on attendance, venues, cities and economic regions in 34 leagues and 350 teams nationwide"
Think of the potential. IF...
I don't have to argue the point this is a football hotbed, we have high school games that draw more fans than most colleges, they're on TV. Investing in, and marketing football (and basketball) not only improves attendance, but also enrollment. How many Akron students go to tOSU because of the football program? And our new modern stadium sits empty (literally some nights).
It's also a soccer hotbed. In the 1980's and early 90's it had the only profitable pro soccer franchise. It had a second successful franchise in Canton (in a league with lower player salaries) at the same time. We filled CBS for international matches.
In the midst of this we have one of the most popular minor league baseball franchises. I have complete faith that the Zips "marketing" will capitalize with the new baseball program (complete with high profile coach) the same way it does everything else.
<crickets chirping>
I've been against the baseball program playing at Canal Park for that reason, putting 50 or 60 people in a stadium that holds 7600 would look baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Been there, seen that.