Dragons knock record out of the park

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Dayton Dragons now hold the record for the most consecutive sold out games in all of professional sports, and Saturday, the team took a break from the game to celebrate.

After the 5th inning, the team thanked fans for their loyalty with an announcement and confetti.

The Dragons clinched the record Saturday versus the South Bend Silver Hawks. It was the team's 815th consecutive sold out game, the latest in a streak that began 12 years ago.

Fans said they continue to come back for the atmosphere.

"I'm speechless," said John Woods, who enjoyed the celebration from the audience. "The pageantry that went out. I thought it was neat that they waited until the fifth inning to make it an official game. We've been coming to games for the last seven years and we are happy to be a part of it."

Officials said the record wasn't even on their minds when the Dragons started in Dayton in 2000.

"Twelve years ago we were just worried about getting the stadium built and having our first game here at Fifth Third Field. To even think at that time that we were going to run a string of 815 sell out games in a period of 12 years, I don't even think we were thinking about that moment," said Gary Mayse, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Dayton Dragons.

On average, the Dragons welcome 8,400 fans each night. Out of the 160 teams in minor league baseball, the Dragons rank fifth in attendance.