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Seattle Mariners

Mariners Noon Number: 44,856

These young fans were happy to be part of the non-sellout crowd for the Seattle Mariners home opener. Fans Alex Mar, left, 8, and brothers Jaxon, 9, and Cameron Conklin, 6, look toward the field before a baseball game between the Mariners and Houston Astros Monday, April 10, 2017, in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

The Seattle Mariners drew 44,846 for the home opener on Monday. That’s a good crowd, to be sure. But it wasn’t a sellout for spacious Safeco Field.

Listed capacity for the Mariners home ballpark is 47,943, which opened July 15, 1999.

There were several factors that might have played a part in the non-sellout.

  • The team opened the season on a seven-game road trip.
  • The team was off to a rough start, going 1-6 during the trip.
  • Sub-50 temperatures and a threat of rain, though they closed the roof following the National Anthem.

Regardless, it must have been somewhat disappointing to team officials that in the 40th anniversary season of the team opening day didn’t sell out.