South Bend Cubs surpass 300,000-fan mark in 2023

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - The South Bend Cubs may not have defended their 2022 Midwest League title this season, but it was still a banner year at Four Winds Field.

The Cubs announced on Wednesday morning that it finished the 2023 season with an attendance of 314,591 fans. It’s the sixth time in franchise history that the team has passed the 300,000-fan milestone.

According to the team, it’s the largest attendance for a season since before COVID and the team’s third straight season with improved crowds.

“It’s the highest we’ve had since 2019,” said team president Joe Hart. “Obviously, we kind of come out on the other side of COVID and have people back out. While we didn’t win a championship this year, still, it was a phenomenal year for the South Bend Cubs and the entire community.”

The 2023 season started with the Cubs breaking their April attendance record with a mark of 43,749 fans through the gates. Hart gives a lot of credit to Mother Nature for the terrific turnout.

“I think the biggest thing was the month of April, May, the weather really started out significant for us,” he said.

The Cubs also tallied their second-highest attendance mark ever for a single game on July 4 when 8,053 fans came out to watch them play against the Peoria Chiefs.

As for next season, Hart says exciting changes are coming to Four Winds Field in 2024.

“Really, the most exciting thing for us is when we start the big renovation at the end of the 2024 season,” he said. “We’re looking at doing close to a $50 million renovation, which will totally elevate Four Winds Field. It’ll add a second level. We’ve already won ‘Ballpark of the Year’ the last couple years. Our community deserves to have the best of the best.”

Hart says the team is currently in the process of going through fan surveys to see what other kind of amenities they might add to Four Winds Field.

Fans looking to secure tickets for the 2024 season can contact the South Bend Cubs Front Office at 574-235-9988 to sign up for one of the team’s season seat packages.

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