Phillies news and rumors 6/27: Phillies lead MLB in attendance increase

It’s felt like a different atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park in 2023 compared to the regular seasons of the recent past — and the numbers back that up. Rejuvenated by a surprise run to the World Series this past fall, Phillies fans have flocked to the stadium this season, leading to the greatest increase in average home attendance in Major League Baseball this year.

According to Codify, Philadelphia boasted a 39% increase in average home attendance compared to last year, as of Sunday when the list was compiled. That figure is highest in the majors, with the Cleveland Guardians coming in second at 27%.

The Phillies have had an average attendance of 39,307 in home games this year, per Baseball Reference, the fifth best mark in MLB. Last season, the Phillies averaged only 28,108 fans per home game in the regular season. But once Red October returned, sell-out crowds rushed to Citizens Bank Park with enthusiasm that hasn’t quite died down. It’s amazing what a playoff run can do for a city and an organization.

Last year’s postseason performance hasn’t been the only selling point, however, as the Phillies added to their core with the marquee signing of star shortstop Trea Turner to further build excitement.

And while the team struggled on the field early on, Philadelphia’s recent turnaround has put them right back in the hunt. The Phillies stand at 40-37, 10.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the National League East lead but only three games back in the NL wild-card standings. The Phillies will likely be in the race until the end of the season, giving the fans a reason to keep coming to the ballpark throughout the summer and into September.

Must-read (or watch) Phillies content

• Andrew Bellatti and Darick Hall are making strong cases to return to the majors in Triple-A.
• A new episode of the Phillies Therapy podcast with Paul Boye and The Athletic‘s Matt Gelb was released on Monday, discussing Bryce Harper’s lack of power, the trade deadline and more.
• Phillies prospects and former first rounders Justin Crawford and Mick Abel will represent the Phillies at the 2023 All-Star Futures Game in Seattle.

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