Miracle go over attendance mark

Naples Daily News
Staff Report

The Fort Myers Miracle celebrated its 15th season in Southwest Florida by topping the 100,000-mark in attendance for the season on Friday night.

The Miracle have been at the top of the Florida State League in attendance since 1992. The Miracle have drawn 1,498,769 in its first 15 seasons as of Friday night. Last season the Miracle drew their second-highest attendance ever with 112,272, which was only surpassed by the 2000 season in which the Miracle had 116,041 enter the gates.

During their 15 seasons the Miracle have drawn over 100,000 fans more than half the time. This is the eighth time the 100,000-mark has been passed.

The Miracle are the third-highest drawing team in the FSL just behind the Daytona Cubs and the Clearwater Threshers.

"During my first year, the last two weeks of the season were canceled because of the hurricanes and we were on pace to break all kinds of records," general manager Steve Gliner said. "After that season I thought I was cursed, but our product speaks for itself and the residents of Southwest Florida recognize all the hard work we have put in to make this the best nightly experience they can have during the summer.

"At the same time if it wasn't for the great fans in the area none of our success would be possible, so to everyone that has attended one game I say 'thank you.'"

The Miracle have gained national attention for many promotions throughout the years. Fourteen of the current Minnesota Twins players on the 25-man roster played for the Miracle at one time, including Friday night's starter, Matt Garza, who began 2006 with the Miracle.

Fort Myers played at home on Saturday night, then return for a six-game homestand on Aug. 18. The final two home games are Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.