Jeter hopes change to start times can help

Earlier games could increase attendance

MIAMI — Hoping to boost their league-worst attendance, the Marlins will be experimenting with earlier start times next season.

In a schedule change for 2020, Miami is moving up all Monday-Thursday home games in April, May and September by 30 minutes. The Marlins, who’ve traditionally started night games at 7:10 p.m., will now play those contests at 6:40 p.m.

The decision seems to be an appeal toward attracting younger fans to the ballpark. The three months coincide with the school schedule for kids. Speaking with reporters, Marlins CEO Derek Jeter elaborated on the move, citing a willingness to be open to change.

“I think it’s consistent with what we’re done since last season — listening to our fan base,” Jeter said. “We wanted to make sure that we accommodate to some of those fans that said they’d like to come straight from work to the ballpark and some said that said they’d like to get here a little bit earlier.

“There’s been a few teams who have done the same thing. We’re going to test it out and see how it is, but it all comes from feedback.”

The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Reds are among a number of MLB teams who have begun using earlier weekday start times. Between work and school, attracting fans to Marlins Park for weekday games has been especially difficult. In April and May, Miami averaged 7,324 during 13 games from Monday-Thursday.

In the second year of its new ownership group, led by Bruce Sherman and Jeter, the Marlins are continuing their effort to spark attendance. Through 63 home games, the Marlins are averaging a league-worst 10,072 fans. The Tampa Bay Rays — 29th in attendance — are drawing over 5,000 more people per game. Miami has been nearly even with its 2018 figures.

“You hope it helps increase attendance,” Jeter said. “We’ve invested in affordability from our ownership group and we want this to be an option for people of South Florida and this to be an affordable entertainment option.

“You talk about attendance — we’ve never shied away from it. We need to increase the attendance numbers here.”

This season, the Marlins have drawn over 20,000 fans just three

times — all on special occasions. Opening Day (25,423 fans), Camp Day (21,149) and University of Miami night (29,720). With thousands of Canes fans in attendance — thanks to discounted rates — Saturday’s win over the Braves was the highest-attended game of the season. Featuring an exciting ninth-inning comeback, the energy level throughout the park was noticeably higher.

“We’re still trying to develop trust [in the community]; it takes time,” Jeter said. “It doesn’t happen overnight.”