Sanford Spinners General Manager Carl Bryan says the team’s fourth season in the summer collegiate level Old North State League was the team’s most successful yet, with a large spike in attendance.
Using data provided by the Sanford Tourism Development Authority, the Spinners found that more than 13,000 people visited Tramway Park adjacent to Southern Lee High School on game days between June 7 and July 13, an increase of more than 21 percent over 2023. Visitors stayed at the park an average of 155 minutes.
“We considered the theme nights to be a huge success,” Bryan said, referencing events such as Teacher Appreciation Night and Chamber of Commerce Night. “We didn’t necessarily see that represented in ticket sales because we gave away so many tickets, but we we did see it represented in the success our concession partners, Lazy J’s and Pop Heaven.”
Bryan said the data also gives demographic information – close to half of game attendees have a bachelor’s degree or higher, for example, outpacing the state average of 33 percent – which is allowing him to set goals for 2025.
“We know who’s already coming to the games, so this gives us the ability to try to hit other markets as well,” he said. “We also know that when someone comes to one game, they usually come to at least two more games.”
Bryan said the tool is also allowing the team to schedule games more efficiently because it gives insight into which days are most popular. It also includes information about where visitors are coming from and going when they leave, opening doors for potential sponsorship and cross promotional opportunities.
The Spinners, named for a minor league team that played in Sanford from the 1930s to the 1950s, began operation in their current iteration in 2021 under the ownership of the Old North State League. Following the 2023 season, New Jersey businessman Al Anderson purchased the team.
On the field, the Spinners were 16-12 overall and 12-11 in their Southeastern Division, good for second place and just short of a playoff bid. Old North State League baseball returns in June 2025.