Cubs break attendance record

September 17, 2003

The Cubs' payroll has pushed past $80 million with their late-season acquisitions, yet another milestone figure that could signal progress for the future. There is no reason that number shouldn't climb even higher next season and approach $90 million.

After all, the crowd of 39,534 on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field set a single-season attendance record for the Cubs. With four home games remaining, 2,844,087 fans have visited the Friendly Confines this year for 77 dates, an average of 36,936.

Those figures surpass the previous high of 2,813,854 in 78 dates in 1999. That was one of the worst years the Cubs have had with a 67-95 record.

Perhaps it was a lingering reaction to a 1998 playoff appearance. So if the Cubs can win the division this year and return to the postseason, next year's attendance should be projected as another record.

Isn't that good enough to spend $90 million on players in 2004?

Mike Kiley

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