• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 9, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

Bolstered by Tebow, Columbia Fireflies Lead League in Attendance

Tebow may be an average minor leaguer, but he is making major impacts off the field.

Tebow in his #15 Columbia Fireflies’ jersey. Photo via Saturday Down South.

Maybe you’re sick of hearing about Tim Tebow and when he hits a home run, but the thing is, it matters. Tebow’s success is great for Minor League baseball, especially when it comes to the numbers off the field.

So what is the actual effect of Tebow? At first glance, he’s just a very average Minor League ballplayer who probably will never get any farther than Double A, even if he works extremely hard.

Off the field, Tebow is a money maker. Columbia leads the SAL in average attendance per game with 5,787 people coming through the gates each night, 2,000 more than last season. To put this in perspective, the Fireflies would be ranked 25th in all of MiLB (160 teams) if the attendance numbers were to stay the same as 2016.

https://frontofficesports.com/brandiose-making-creative-dreams-a-reality-8eb434dac00a

In terms of money from ticket sales, you can go to a Fireflies game for anywhere from $5 to $12.50, or an average of $8.75. Last year, Columbia would pull in $33,118 from the box office per game, or $2,285,194 total. This season, they are generating around $50,636 per game and are on pace to end up with $3,493,900 total.

There are more than 100 MiLB teams, and it can be hard to stand out. Tebow not only gives the Fireflies a way to stand out, but the teams that they compete against as well.

Tebow at a press conference. Photo via The State.

Earlier in the season, Columbia traveled to Hickory, North Carolina to face the Hickory Crawdads. The four-game series resulted in 17,500 people coming through the gates. Before the series, Hickory had drawn in just 15,900 total in its first eight home games.

While his presences is driving people to the games, his numbers on the field aren’t too shabby either. As of May 1, Tebow has raised his batting average to .237. Last week at the plate, he went 6-for-21 (.285) and scored five runs.

Fireflies’ President John Katz says that “if this was a publicity stunt, he’d be in the big leagues and playing DH two or three times a week. He’s at the lowest full-season class of professional baseball, which is where guys are supposed to start.”


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Have Mets Upended New York’s Baseball Hierarchy With Soto Deal?

The National League team sheds its image as an often-lovable underdog.

Soto Contract Echoes 2000 A-Rod Deal. Could Similar Fallout Follow?

The record-setting Soto deal recalls A-Rod 24 years ago.

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.
August 26, 2024

Cooper Flagg Spurns Nike Ties for New Balance

Flagg is the projected top pick in 2025.
Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
October 31, 2024

Strauss Ads on MLB Helmets Annoyed Some Fans. CEO Says They Were a ‘Huge Success’

Strauss’s deal with MLB goes until 2027.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 22, 2024

Marketing Stunt Had Major Cycling Race Start In Grocery Store

The Vuelta has a history of creative stage kickoffs.
August 19, 2024

Jake Paul Claims He’ll Make $40 Million Off Tyson Netflix Fight

Paul and Tyson are set to fight in Texas in November.
August 16, 2024

Mets Bring Back Grimace in Latest Viral Gambit

Viral marketing is typical for the 2024 Mets, who have leaned in.
August 15, 2024

Saudis Make North American Soccer Inroads With Concacaf Deal

It’s PIF’s first North American soccer investment.