Cardinals set single-season ticket record for franchise

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals' final season at Busch Stadium has produced record crowds as well as a first-place team.

The team announced Wednesday that it had sold 3.45 million tickets, breaking the previous franchise single-season record of 3.43 million in 1989. Their game Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks was expected to be the 31st sellout, and 23rd straight attendance over 40,000.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the support we've received from our fans," team president Mark Lamping said. "It's a record that everyone associated with the Cardinals should be proud of."

Through 61 games, the Cardinals were second in the National League in attendance at 2.63 million, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2.73 million. The team projected crowds above 40,000 for its remaining 20 home dates, including Wednesday's game, and a total of 45 sellouts for the season.

The Cardinals were 75-44 and led the NL Central division by 11 games.