SOUTH BEND – With fans regularly showing up from across the region and two sell-out games in April, the Chicago Cubs’ newest affiliate is setting attendance records with no signs of letting up.

Today, South Bend Cubs team President Joe Hart released April 2015 attendance data that suggest this season may be one for the record books.

The data show that 33,932 fans came through the gates for the first nine home games. This compares to April 2014, when, in the first 12 games, 26,146 tickets were sold.

The April 9 home opening game set a franchise record with 7,086 fans in attendance.

There was also a single-game attendance record set on April 18 of 7,575 people.

“With three fewer games in the first month than last year during the same period of time, we still experienced a 23 percent increase in attendance,” said Hart. “We’re ecstatic about the increase in attendance, but not really surprised. Fans told us they wanted a Chicago Cubs affiliation and now they’re coming out to see the team they love.”

Hart noted that the increased interest in the South Bend Cubs is already bringing thousands more people to downtown South Bend.  “Every year we see more and more people coming to downtown South Bend. It’s great.”

Hart also shared that in direct response to the increased attendance, the gates for all Friday and Saturday night games will now open two hours ahead of the first pitch. Lawn seats are still available for this Friday’s night game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. First pitch is at 7:05.