A's president calls out Giants for poor attendance during Bay Bridge Series
The Oakland Athletics are struggling with attendance issues early this season, but it seems team president Dave Kaval is more focused on the gate at Oracle Park.
During Tuesday evening's game between the Athletics and host San Francisco Giants, Kaval issued a series of tweets seemingly critical of poor attendance for the series, blaming local media and Giants marketing staff:
👀 @EmptySeatsPics https://t.co/KBxk8fOqBK
— Dave Kaval (@DaveKaval) April 27, 2022
It is sad how few fans are at the game. Maybe the local media can look into the @SFGiants marketing? Ask some questions. Get to the bottom of what is going on. https://t.co/L19GDlqGYd
— Dave Kaval (@DaveKaval) April 27, 2022
The stated attendance for Tuesday's series opener - which the Giants won 8-2 - was 32,898.
Attendance is down across MLB this season compared to the last full campaign before the COVID-19 pandemic. Major-league teams averaged 28,203 fans in 2019 but are averaging 26,345 this season. That could be a symptom of the 2022 campaign's late start due to the lockout or the lingering impact of the pandemic.
Oakland, however, is seeing a disproportionate dip in attendance: The club averaged 20,626 fans in 2019 but is now averaging 7,943.
The Athletics fell victim to the "Empty Seats Galore" Twitter account earlier this season when it highlighted their April 19 game against the Baltimore Orioles - the game after Oakland's home opener. Attendance for the contest was later announced at 3,748.
#Athletics #DrumTogether #MLB https://t.co/pdLGaFvmB5
— Empty Seats Galore (@EmptySeatsPics) April 20, 2022
The drop in attendance may be a symptom of Oakland's moves to trade away stars Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Chris Bassitt, and Sean Manaea before the season. A's ownership is also potentially seeking relocation with Las Vegas as an option after the NFL's Raiders recently moved from Oakland to Vegas.