THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 23, 1996 TAG: 9608210532
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BILL LEFFLER
LENGTH: 57 lines
For the fourth consecutive year the Norfolk Tides will be among the national leaders in minor league baseball attendance.
Actually the crowds are down a little at Harbor Park due to the rainy weather we've had, but close to a half million viewers will go through the turnstiles before the end of the International League baseball season.
General manager Dave Rosenfield, sharing his views with Portsmouth Sports Club members at their August meeting Monday, has watched the ebb and flow of the Tides for the past 35 years.
``I can remember just 20 years ago when you could buy a minor league franchise for less than $25,000,'' he said.
``When Pawtucket got its International League franchise, it cost them $25,000 and they had five years to pay for it.
``When Columbus came into the league in 1973, all they had to do was pay off $23,000 that was owed by the team.
``Contrast that with the sale of the Tides. The cost was $7 million. I wouldn't hesitate in saying the franchise is worth about $9 million today.''
Three years ago the Tides were the seventh best draw in minor league baseball. In 1994 they were fifth.
Last year they were third - behind Buffalo and Salt Lake City.
``Both of them play in much larger stadiums than ours,'' said Rosenfield. ``Buffalo has 19,000 seats.''
Rosenfield said the Tides again will finish among the pacesetters, probably in the top five. A team survey shows about half the fans are from Virginia Beach. From 5 to 10 per cent come from Portsmouth, about the same number from the Peninsula. Most of the others are from Norfolk.
The recreation dollar is now being divided more ways than ever, says Rosenfield. ``Look at the people going out to the Amphitheater. The movies are drawing more now, too.
``We still think our baseball games are among the best bargains. Tickets are $5.50 and $7 and $4.50 for kids and others. A family of four can have a complete night for $45 or less.''
g1blcol23 Rosenfield The rising costs in sports concerns the general manager.
``It can mean the major leagues will be passing along more costs to the minor league clubs,'' he pointed out.
``But this also can create an inequality between franchises.
``Can you believe it now costs $600 for a courtside seat at a Lakers' basketball game? The cheapest seat there is $21.
``Can our area realistically compete with that?''
Rosenfield said he expects a major league facility for basketball and hockey will be built locally. But he questions whether it will be successful.
``Some folks seem to think its success would be predicated upon selling X-number of sky boxes. I don't think so. I think the sky boxes can be sold. But I would question that a team can come in and fill 20,000 seats every game.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Rosenfield by CNB