Padres experiencing increased attendance and ratings

There is undoubtedly an increased interest in the Padres this season. Fox Sports San Diego is breaking all kinds of its own ratings records.  FSSD reports increases of 66% year-over-year. Friday's game against Los Angeles was the number one cable program of the day.

"Our ratings success on FOX Sports San Diego and sellouts at Petco Park truly reflects San Diego Padres fan enthusiasm surrounding each game’s exciting lineup," said Henry Ford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FOX Sports San Diego. "It’s nice to see continued and growing support for our hometown team!

The Padres themselves are also experiencing unusually high attendance at Petco Park.  After 10 home games they've already drawn more than 300,000 fans.  This past weekend alone, the series against the Dodgers, drew more than 130,000.

Over 130,000 this weekend @PetcoPark. Thanks to all who came out to support this team! #GoPadres

— Wayne Partello (@WaynePartello) April 27, 2015

I decided to check to see how the attendance for the first 10 home games compares to the totals of past seasons.  It appears that the 2015 Padres are off to a 4th place start.  Only the 2004, 2000, 2005 had better attendance in the opening days.

One thing I should note, this data is from Baseball Reference and in 1969 and the early 70's they don't have some attendance data, which may skew some of those results but will not change the ranking at the top of the list.

A season also benefits from its opening opponents and the Padres have started with two of their top 7 biggest draws.  Have a look:

Total attendance for first 10 home games