They say timing is everything. ‘They’ being comedians, coaches, stock market brokers, and attendees of this year’s Brewers on Deck event. I mean, I’m sure not all the attendees left with this thought in mind (I’m not so presumptuous as to speak for over 11,000 fans), but it’s what I’ve been thinking since leaving the Frontier Airlines Center yesterday afternoon.
News of the record-setting crowd surprised me when I heard it on the radio during my drive to work this morning. I’m not good with numbers, but I would have never guessed an approximation even close to 11,299. In fact, my dad and brother-in-law both commented that they remember the place being packed when they attended the event two years ago, and that apparently it didn’t seem as busy yesterday.
I was ready to chalk it up to the still struggling economy. After all, paying for parking, entry, food, and autographs can really add up. But, as it turns out, thousands found the experience to be worth the cost. So why the seemingly smaller crowd?
Well, part of it could have to do with event organization. Fans looking to get autographs were directed to neat and orderly lines around the perimeter of the hall and most concession areas, too, were located about the edges of the room, leaving ample room in the middle for photo areas, broadcasting stages, a Brewers museum, and an expansive kids zone.
There was plenty to see and do, including an interactive discussion with Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin, Gord Ash, Shaun Marcum, and Zach Greinke (hosted by Bob Uecker, of course), interviews with Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks, infield clinics, and more inflatable carnival games than I could count. (Keep in mind, I’m not good with numbers.)
Not only did all this offer an opportunity for fun, but for photos and video as well. Check out some shots of the FANdemonium at the FANdemonium facebook page. (And stay tuned for a video of my nephew running the base!)
I had fun. Really, I did. But I think timing is everything. And at this point in time, I’m in Super Bowl mode.
