After low numbers last year, the College World Series got off to an even slower start this time around.
Game 1 of the Arizona/Coastal Carolina College World Series final earned 1.1 million viewers on ESPN Monday night, down 7% from last year (1.2M) and down 37% from 2014 (1.8M), both of which pitted Vanderbilt against Virginia. Ratings were not immediately available.
The Wildcats’ win ranks as the least-watched game of the CWS final since at least 2008, falling below the previous mark held by Game 1 of South Carolina/UCLA in 2009 (1.19M to 1.14M). Dating back to last year, viewership has now declined for four straight games in the final.
Keep in mind Monday’s telecast faced tougher competition than last year, airing opposite the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials on NBC (5.2M).
Monday’s opener edged Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series earlier in the month (1.0M), marking a reversal from last year — when all three games trailed their WCWS equivalent.
(Mon. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily)
