River Cats thrive as economic crunch takes toll on Bay Area teams

Karl Freeman is an A's fan, but in this economy, making the trip to Oakland to see his favorite major league baseball team isn't high on his priority list.

The Sacramento businessman has an affordable alternative to curb his sporting appetite – the River Cats. Freeman, who has season tickets through his company, isn't the only local baseball fan looking at the rising price of gas and opting to support the hometown Triple A team.

With the average gas price at $3.94 in Sacramento, fewer local baseball fans are making the trek to see the A's and Giants, each of whom is experiencing a drop in attendance. Meanwhile, there's a surge at West Sacramento's Raley Field.

"One of the benefits, frankly, to the River Cats with circumstance to gas and people watching their finances more closely is that people will be more inclined to go here," said River Cats President Alan Ledford. "It's an easy decision to come here, have a great experience and spend a lot less money."

It's not yet known how the economic crisis will affect the big leagues as a whole.

Major League Baseball has set attendance records for four consecutive seasons. In 2007, baseball averaged a record 32,785 fans per game – a 4.5 percent increase over 2006. Through the first two months of this season, the average is 30,303, although numbers traditionally climb during the summer.

The Giants and A's are offering dozens of promotions to lure cash-strapped fans.

Last Sunday, the Giants offered a "buy three, mom goes free" incentive. In April, more than 2,500 fans scored $7 bleacher seats in a promotion that took $1 off ticket prices for every strikeout Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum logged during a previous game.

The Giants are also considering bringing back $10 gas cards for ticket buyers, said Staci Slaughter, senior vice president of communications.

"Given the economy and where it is going and gas prices, the one thing that remains constant is that we offer a wide variety of price points," Slaughter said.

In Oakland, the A's gate is among the worst in the majors despite the team playing beyond expectations with a 23-18 record. Only Tampa Bay and Kansas City are attracting fewer fans in the American League. The A's are averaging 19,954 fans for 21 home games, off nearly 3,000 per game from 2007. Included in the A's home attendance average are two games against Boston at the Tokyo Dome in front of a 89,363 total fans.

The A's are offering deals to help bring in fans. That includes all-you-can eat seating for $35, with an additional $10 off using an Internet coupon, for Monday's game against Tampa Bay. The A's recently reduced the price of $24 seats by $1 for each hit the team had in a previous game. The team recorded 20 hits, dropping the price to $4.

"We sold out in 10 minutes. It was an overwhelming response," said Jim Leahey, the A's vice president of sales and marketing Leahey said the club tries to balance promotions and "price integrity," so fans who buy early aren't penalized.

For the Giants, it doesn't help that superstar Barry Bonds is no longer on the roster, which is now filled with young, unproven players. With an average attendance of 33,464 entering Wednesday night's home game, the Giants are ranked 12th in the league.

There has never been an announced crowd of fewer than 30,000 at AT&T Park (41,907 capacity) since it opened in 2000, although the 30,858 fans at Tuesday night's game indicates they are nearing an all-time low.

Locally, the River Cats are averaging 9,356 fans during their first two homestands this season, up from 8,582 the previous year. The River Cats, who begin an eight-game homestand tonight, have logged two sellouts of 14,414 this season.

"We are certainly pleased by our early numbers," Ledford said. "We firmly believe that people don't give up entertainment in times like these."

Freeman, the Sacramento businessman, said he is certainly cognizant of it. He said he used to have Kings season tickets, but the price became "just outside my range."

If the economy improves, he said he may treat himself to a few Kings games next season.

If things worsen, he said his company may have to downsize their four season tickets with the River Cats to two seats. For now, he'll enjoy the rest of the season.

"I would rather spend my money going to a River Cats game," said Freeman. "I can see more games than going to the A's."

About the writer:

• The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521.