Chihuahuas could pass 1-million-fan mark over 2 seasons at home this weekend

After the longest road trip of the season, the streaking El Paso Chihuahuas begin an eight-game homestand Tuesday, playing their best baseball.

“To go on the road and play like they did is just really clutch,” Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor told ABC-7. “We’re positioned really well right now.”

After watching the Chihuahuas win nine out of their last 10 on the road Taylor has high hopes El Paso will win the division and make the playoffs. They’re just three-and-a-half games behind first-place Las Vegas.

“We’ve got 20 home games left and they’re all going to be important for this team,” Taylor said. “So, I hope El Paso will come out and cheer these guys on and see if we can get a little bonus baseball here at Southwest University Park this year.”

Along with making the playoffs, there’s also a major attendance milestone on deck this weekend.

At some point during the homestand, possibly on Saturday night, the Chihuahuas will reach the milestone of one million fans coming through the gates at Southwest University Park in less than two seasons. It’s a feat some didn’t think was possible.

“That’s pretty exciting, you think about two years, a million people,” Taylor said. “I’m not sure there’s a lot of people that would have bet that two years ago and its awfully humbling and gratifying to know that the town has supported us like they have. And it puts us in very elite company in our industry and we’re very thankful and proud of that.”

The Chihuahuas continue to be a tough ticket, averaging more than 8,100 fans per game this season.

“I got four seats in a row so I’m pretty stoked about that,” Chihuahuas fan Oscar Gutierrez said after buying tickets at the box office. “It’s a beautiful park. Like they said, ‘build it and they will come.’ They’re coming.”

Former City Rep. Steve Ortega said, “the success of the ballpark means some things are worth fighting for.”

Should the Chihuahuas go on to win the Pacific Coast League pennant they will host the Triple-A national championship game in September.