Wilmington – Today, Sharks General Manager Curt VanDerzee released attendance numbers showing a drastic increase in attendance this season.

This season the Sharks are averaging 1,500 people per game with a total season attendance thus far of 31,666 fans.  With three games remaining the Sharks have already broken the 2000 season record of 30,212.  Last season the Sharks had a total attendance of 26,073, which was a slight drop from years past.

General Manager Curt VanDerzee said, “I am extremely happy with the attendance numbers this season.  Despite a slight decline in attendance over the last few years, this summer had proven that baseball in Wilmington is back and better than ever.  We are very appreciative of the support Wilmington has shown and plan to make next season even better, continuing to break attendance records annually.”

Coastal Plain League President Pete Bock said, “Wilmington is one of the original and most successful franchises in the league and we are very happy with what they have accomplished.  We are excited about the Sharks` new ownership and look forward to even more success from Wilmington and the Sharks.”

The Coastal Plain League is one of the nation’s top summer collegiate baseball circuits.  The league is sanctioned by the NCAA and Major League Baseball, and features the stars of the ACC and SEC, as well as top area programs.  The CPL brings fans all the fun of minor league baseball during a 52 game schedule in June, July and August.  The Coastal Plain League has grown over the past 7 years from 6 cities in Eastern North Carolina to 13 teams in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.