Steve Cohen has invested largely in turning the Mets into a powerhouse. With a staggering $325 million payroll and headline-making roster addition, like Juan Soto’s $765 million deal, the assumption was a packed Citi Field and a buzzing fanbase. However, reality paints a distinctive picture. The New York Mets have empty seats, low energy, as well as an investor growing totally frustrated.
It is not just Steve Cohen who’s identifying the issue. Attendance numbers tell a brutal truth, one that Zack Scott, the former New York Mets GM, was quick to identify. The Colorado Rockies, a perennial non-contender, have continuously outdrawn the Mets in each year of Cohen’s management. How does a team with sky-high spending fail to fill its stadium?
A billionaire’s frustration over empty seats
Steve Cohen made it clear that he was not happy with the New York Mets’ attendance, specifically during the period of intricate games. “He was not thrilled with the attendance last year,” said Mike Puma of the New York Post. Puma was referencing a September series against the Nationals when the New York Mets were still in the playoff hunt. Despite postseason issues, Citi Field had multiple empty seats, a stark contrast to what needs to be thought of for a big-market contender.
The Rockies have had higher attendance than the Mets in each year of Cohen’s ownership. C’mon Mets fans, step it up in 2025! https://t.co/1Zfk3ETHQd
— Zack Scott (@ZackScottSports) February 18, 2025
Zack Scott was not shy about putting things in perspective. “The Rockies have had higher attendance compared to the New York Mets in each year of Cohen. C’mon Mets fans, step it up in 2025,” he posted. The numbers back Zack Scott up. In 2024, the Colorado Rockies finished with a 59-103 record; however, still managed to attract 2.56 million fans, ranking 12th in MLB. In addition, the Mets, with all the team’s financial firepower, just mustered 2.32 million fans, ranking 17th. More embarrassing? Since 2021, the New York Mets have failed to reach the top 10 in MLB attendance, despite playing in one of the biggest markets.
What is the issue for the New York Mets?
So why are fans staying home? Ticket pricing remains a vital issue. In 2024, the average New York Mets ticket cost $29.64. While it was lower than the Yankees’ $42.62 as well as the Dodgers’ $39.58, still felt steep when mixed with high concession and parking costs. One fan highlighted his frustration on Pitcher List’s social media: “Make it more affordable and we will be there.” However, others highlight the team’s inconsistency. Unlike the Dodgers, who guided MLB with 3.83 m in attendance, the New York Mets have struggled to fill seats despite their massive payroll. 
The LA team has seamlessly mixed big spending with elite talent enhancement, while the Mets have yet to establish a sustainable approach. Winning sells tickets, however, without consistency, fans hesitate to commit. So how can the team turn things around? Providing more promotions and discounted tickets, as well as better in-game experiences, could help. For instance, the Braves boosted attendance in the late 2010s by enhancing fan engagement through family-friendly products, pregame entertainment, as well as enhanced stadium experiences.
In addition, the Phillies, after years of fighting to draw crowds, faced a resurgence by pairing powerful roster investments with affordable ticket prices. If the Mets mix smart advertisements with a competitive team, they could make Citi Field a packed environment. Whether it is enhancing the fan experience, lowering costs, or simply winning games when it matters most, something has to transform. Otherwise, Citi Field could keep looking emptier.
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