Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks reached a franchise attendance milestone Saturday night, welcoming their one-millionth fan to Riverfront Stadium during a 13-4 win over the Battle Creek Bombers.
Kathy Swisher of Waterloo was recognized on the field during the seventh inning stretch. For being the Bucks' one-millionth fan, she received a prize package that included an autographed team jersey, 10 tickets to each of Waterloo's remaining 2014 regular season home games and other Bucks goodies. Swisher also gets the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Waterloo's home finale this season.
Swisher was among 2,229 fans who attended Saturday's game and post-game fireworks extravaganza. The Bucks, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary season of Northwoods League baseball this year, have drawn a total of 1,000,237 fans to Riverfront Stadium since they began play in 1995.
The Bucks currently rank sixth among the 18 Northwoods League teams in attendance this season, averaging 1,679 fans per home game.
Saturday's crowd increased Waterloo's 2014 season attendance total to 50,366 through 30 games. It marks the 14th time in team history the Bucks have drawn 50,000-plus fans to Riverfront Stadium during a single season. The only other team in the NWL that has drawn 50,000-plus fans more than the Bucks is the St. Cloud franchise, who have reached that mark 15 times. The Waterloo Bucks thank all of their fans over the past 20 years for their continued support.
The Bucks complete their two-game home series with the Battle Creek Bombers at 3:35 pm today at Riverfront Stadium. For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633. All 72 games may be heard on 1330 AM ESPN (KWLO). Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks during the season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.
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The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.