SALEM (WSLS10)-- A big win for the Salem Red Sox Monday night, as the team wins the first Half Division Championship in 28-years. There was a lot of celebrating in the locker room after the team beat the Potomac Nationals-- and those celebrations will likely continue tonight, as the Red Sox play the Nationals at home again.
The team has been working hard over the past few years to rebuild its fan base. A recent long-term contract between the Red Sox and the City of Salem is giving the team even more to build on.
When the Red Sox first arrived in Salem, it was part of a two-year lease, followed by a four-year lease. Short-term leases like this often have fans and city leaders nervous that they might lose the team. In 2015, the Red Sox and City of Salem decided to make things more permanent, signing a ten year extension of the lease at Salem Memorial Park. That's longer than any of the three most recent parent clubs were tied to the City, and something that makes it easier for the fans and the team to commit to each other year-round.
Over the past three years, the number of season ticket holders is up more than 1,000%. Those devoted fans are helping the Red Sox meet a new set of goals, selling out more games. Before 2014, the team had sold out 1 game in 6 years. In 2014, four games sold out. Last year, there were seven games that sold out-- and this year the team is looking to sell out 12 home games.
With big promotions, like Mullets for Men's Health night, Pirate and Princess night, and Villain night-- it looks like the team could easily meet those goals.