Millions around the globe will tune in
PHILADELPHIA…October 20, 2008…
By advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1993, the Philadelphia Phillies are not only keeping the dream of a championship alive, but are also giving the City of Philadelphia’s economy a welcome boost. According to the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, this prolonged playoff run could generate up to $20M in incremental spending for the area economy.
The Phillies are also placing the City of Philadelphia front and center in the nation and the world’s eyes. Last year, an average of more than 17 million fans per game watched the event in the U.S. In addition, World Series games will be broadcast in 229 countries across the globe.
More than 7,000 visitors are expected in Philadelphia for the World Series, filling approximately 7,500 hotel room nights. In addition, more than 550 members of the national and international media are expected to be on hand. Overall, through the course of the three rounds of the playoffs, an estimated total of 12,000 hotel room nights are expected to be used by visitors in Philadelphia.
“We are so excited the Phillies have reached baseball’s grandest stage,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “Philadelphia is excited to show itself off to the rest of the country and the world. Plus, hosting World Series games will be great for community pride, an unexpected lift to our City’s economy, and will benefit businesses large and small.”
The estimated 20M figure includes visitor spending for all earlier playoff games, as well as the World Series, and direct city tax revenues only, and does not incorporate additional spending by area residents in response to the Phillies playoff run (i.e. merchandise, sales, food and beverage). The post-season run is expected to generate more than $17M in direct spending from visiting fans, media, sponsors, and Major League Baseball partners. In addition, the City of Philadelphia could reap up to $2.5M in direct revenues with this run through the World Series via various taxes (i.e. amusement, sales, parking and hotel room tax).
“Philadelphia will receive a tremendous amount of national and international media coverage over the next two weeks,” said Larry Needle, executive director, Philadelphia Sports Congress. “It’s a chance for us to show the world how wonderful a city we have, and how proud we are of our Phillies.”
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The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau,
www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. The Sports Congress, working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, the city’s professional teams and universities, has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events.
