PITTSBURGH — The Pirates keep piling up the losing seasons, and keep losing fans.

The team's home attendance of 1,577,853 this season was their lowest in the nine seasons since PNC Park opened in 2001. The previous low was 1,583,031 in 2004.

The 122-year-old franchise hasn't drawn so few fans since they drew 1,560,950 to Three Rivers Stadium in 1998. They attracted 171,055 fewer fans this season than they did in their final season in Three Rivers in 2000.

The average attendance was 19,480 for 81 home dates. The Pirates lost no home games to rain, although one was rescheduled, and played no home doubleheaders.

The Pirates are 59-96 with seven road games to play during their a record 17th consecutive losing season, the most of any franchise in the four major North American pro sports leagues.