MAJOR BLOGS - www.majorblogs.net - Las Vegas, Nev. - The 2008 season was a bitter sweet year for the International League. Things were rosy on the business side as the 124-year-old circuit set an attendance record by drawing 7,097,411 fans, breaking the previous mark of 6,815,633 set in 2002. The conclusion of the season also ended a 43-year relationship between the city of Richmond, the Atlanta Braves and the IL, a melancholy moment for the town’s baseball fans. Richmond will likely land another affiliated club sometime in the future, but it is almost certain to be a Single-A franchise in the Carolina or South Atlantic League.

“Unfortunately Richmond now is no longer on our radar,” said IL President Randy Mobley.

As the old proverb goes, “every ending is a new beginning” and Richmond’s relocation to the affluent Atlanta suburbs of Gwinnett County appears to be an auspicious situation. Located roughly 30 miles from Atlanta, Gwinnett County Ballpark will serve as the center of an entertainment development patterned after the Frisco RoughRiders’ operation in the north suburbs of Dallas. According to Mobley, the Gwinnett Braves have done well in season ticket sales and gaining sponsorships.

“While we set an attendance record this year, this past season, we are optimistic we will do the same thing next season with the addition of Gwinnett,” said Mobley.Are you an SZ Insider yet? Get advance release of breaking news, insider tips, and special perqs available only to an Insider!

In addition to Gwinnett, the IL’s Columbus Clippers will also unveil a state-of-the-art facility in Huntington Park, which also factors into Mobley’s positive outlook for 2009.

While the economy is bogged down in a recession, Mobley does not seem too concerned about its impact on ticket sales.

“Throughout minor league baseball, our ticket prices are such, they are great value regardless of what the economy is doing,” said Mobley. “But as the teams are always doing, I think they will be looking to add additional value in that fan experience when they come to the ballpark to try to maintain the attendance we’ve had the last few years.”

 

- Christopher HADORN