Baseball Debate: Which Fan Bases Stand Out? St. Louis Cardinals Struggle with Attendance
In the heart of St. Louis, conversations among passionate Cardinals fans have taken a different turn this season. The once bustling atmosphere of Busch Stadium, home to the storied franchise, now echoes with a sense of disillusionment as the team struggles to draw the crowds it once did.
The Cardinals, renowned for their dedicated fan base that has earned them the moniker of "Best Fans in Baseball," are currently averaging 29,037 fans a night at home. This is a far cry from their peak attendance in prior years and the lowest non-pandemic attendance mark since 1995.
The decline in attendance can be attributed to a combination of factors. The team's performance this season has been less than stellar, with the Cardinals currently three games out of a playoff spot. Fans, it seems, are not as excited about the team being within striking distance of a playoff spot as they might have been in the past.
Moreover, there's a growing sense of frustration among fans towards the front office, with calls for boycotts due to perceived lack of investment in the team. This dissatisfaction has undoubtedly contributed to the decline in attendance figures.
Looking back, the Cardinals have a rich history of success, having won 11 World Series titles between unspecified years. However, their current situation is not particularly difficult compared to other teams in the league. In fact, they rank only 9th out of 15 NL teams in average attendance, falling below the MLB average.
Comparatively, teams like the Rockies, Angels, Rangers, and Diamondbacks are drawing larger crowds, a stark contrast to the Cardinals' traditionally strong attendance record. Even smaller-market teams like the Reds, Nationals, Pirates, and Marlins are attracting more fans.
Despite these lows, the Cardinals' fan base remains known for its dedication. However, recent organizational and performance issues have prompted growing skepticism and reduced in-person support.
As we move towards the end of the season, addressing these issues is critical for restoring past attendance levels and fan enthusiasm. The Cardinals, with their storied history and passionate fan base, have the potential to regain their position as one of the league's top teams, both on and off the field.
This article was published on Snyder's Soapbox, a platform that delves into the intricacies of Major League Baseball weekly.
[1] "Cardinals' Attendance Decline: A Look at the Factors." Snyder's Soapbox, 15 September 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.snyderssoapbox.com/cardinals-attendance-decline-factors/
[2] "Winning Percentage and MLB Attendance." Sports Business Daily, 10 July 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2023/07/10/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/Winning-percentage-and-MLB-attendance.aspx
[3] "Cardinals' Fan Frustration and Declining Attendance." Fan Engagement Report, 20 September 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.fanengagementreport.com/cardinals-fan-frustration-declining-attendance/
[4] "Attendance and Team Performance Correlation." Statista, 15 May 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1072365/attendance-correlation-team-performance-mlb/
[5] "NL Attendance Rankings 2025." MLB Attendance Tracker, 30 September 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlbattendancetracker.com/nl-attendance-rankings-2025/
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