The Blue Wahoos honored gameday employees and season-ticket holders during the 2026 Diamond Awards on Sept. 22 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The event recognized the people connected to the Southern League club’s game experience, attendance and fan-satisfaction results.
A late-afternoon thunderstorm soaked the infield before the event, requiring the tables on the turf to be dried before guests arrived. Light drizzle continued during the on-field dinner, and a rainbow appeared behind the left-field stands.
“It would not be a Blue Wahoos event without rain,” said team president Jonathan Griffith. “We won’t be pulling tarp afterwards.”
Blue Wahoos recognized for fan experience
The Blue Wahoos’ game experience was rated No. 3 in Minor League Baseball for gate entry experience and No. 4 in Net Promoter Score, a measurement of fan satisfaction. The Blue Wahoos front-office staff was surveyed as No. 1 across all levels, including the 30 Major League Baseball organizations.
The club’s overall food and beverage experience also was rated No. 3 in Minor League Baseball. Its merchandise operation retained a Top 5 ranking in Minor League Baseball.
“What a perfect night to thank all of you for what you do to make the Blue Wahoos a model organization in Minor League Baseball, and recognize a select few of you that went above and beyond this season to meet our mission: to create memorable experiences,” said Erik Bremer, the Blue Wahoos manager of broadcasting and media relations.
Blue Wahoos finished 79-58 and led Southern League attendance
The Blue Wahoos finished the regular season 79-58, tied for the second-most wins in franchise history and with the third-best winning percentage in the club’s 14-year existence. The Blue Wahoos attracted 245,871 fans, including 22 sellout crowds, which led the Southern League.
Average attendance increased 5 percent despite a club-record six weather postponements. Five postponed games were moved into doubleheaders, while one first-half game was not made up.
“The numbers we’re doing is incredible and it’s all because of the people and I want to thank you guys (game-day staff, season-ticket holders) for that,” Griffith said. “All the things you all do is amazing.”
Griffith also connected the club’s success and rankings to the employees and season-ticket holders recognized during the event. “The success, the statistics, the rankings all go back to (game-day staff, season-ticket holders). Our employees are our lifeblood,” he said.
Six season-ticket holders attended all 68 home games
Six season-ticket holders attended all 68 home games: Scott Bowden, Paul Frederick, Brenda Frederick, Jay Hollnagel, Michelle Inere and Mark Washburn. They were among nearly 1,800 season-ticket holders.
“We have one of the largest single-ticket holder bases in all minor leagues,” Griffith said. “We are very thankful for that.”
Josh Purcell won Ticket Seller of the Year and was named the 2026 Diamond Awards MVP. Individual awards also were presented in Creative Services, Ticketing, Merchandise, Operations, Groups, Grounds Crew, Food & Beverage, Rising Star, Above and Beyond, Anchor Award, Team Player Award, Spotlight Award and People’s Choice Award.
Blue Wahoos employees recognized across multiple areas
The awards recognized gameday employees across the Blue Wahoos operation. The categories included both department honors and individual recognition for employees who went above and beyond during the season.
The buffet dinner was prepared by executive chef Travis Wilson and his culinary team of Carl Sackman and Jeff Price, along with food and beverage manager Annah Lewis and general manager Eric Kroll. The event concluded the Blue Wahoos’ season celebration by honoring the employees and season-ticket holders connected to the club’s 2026 results.
FSB Take
The Blue Wahoos’ Diamond Awards connected a 79-58 season, Southern League-leading attendance and strong fan-experience rankings with the people recognized at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Six season-ticket holders attended every home game, while the club’s employees received recognition across numerous departments. Those verified results show why the event focused on gameday staff and season-ticket holders as central parts of the Blue Wahoos’ 2026 season.
Source: Original report