Reds attendance up in 2012

CINCINNATI - The Reds are averaging more than 29,000 fans per game at Great American Ball Park in 2012, which is up from 27,000 per game in 2011.

The increase in attendance has a direct impact on the team's payroll.

"I tell people all the time, 'You buy tickets, we buy players,'" said Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini.

The Reds payroll is more than $82 million in 2012, far below some division rivals.

The Milwaukee Brewers spent almost $100 million on players this year, while the St. Louis Cardinals spent more than $110 million.

Castellini says the Reds reinvest every dollar the team makes back into the organization.

The Reds are on pace to draw 2.3 million fans this season, which puts them at 17th in Major League Baseball for overall attendance.

The Reds are drawing more fans than teams in larger markets like Phoenix, Seattle and Miami.

The team says when more people come to games everyone benefits.

"We reinvest every dollar into the product in the form of player development, scouting, player payroll, and fan experience, amenities at the ball park and the like, so you invest in us, we reinvest in the product, it's a simple message," said Castellini.

The Reds hope the team's success will keep people coming to Great American Ball Park through August and September, which can be slower months for attendance because school is back in session.