Image
Team projects attendance of 3 million, 35% coming from outside the St. Louis metro
Greater St. Louis, Inc. and Explore St. Louis today released an analysis estimating the Cardinals will generate more than $310 million in economic impact for the St. Louis metro during the 2024 season. The organizations released the annual report prior to the 2024 home opener versus the Miami Marlins at Busch Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating opening day in St. Louis with the best sports fans in the world,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Home games are invaluable in supporting our local businesses and helping Downtown grow and thrive.”
The Cardinals project attendance of 3 million this season. Based on that projection, GSL’s analysis found that the team will generate $311.1 million in economic impact in the region. That total amount is comprised of $141.3 million in direct economic impact and $169.8 million in indirect economic impact.*
“The Cardinals --- along with CITY SC, the Battlehawks, Blues, and the NASCAR Cup Series --- are driving energy, vibrancy, investment, and growth in Downtown St. Louis and across the metro,” said Kurt Weigle, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Chief Downtown Officer. “Fans filling Downtown streets before, during, and after games support local businesses and strengthen public safety, and we can’t wait for Opening Day to continue the Cardinals tradition of success.”
Cardinals report out-of-town visitors are expected to make up more than 35% of game attendees. Visitor spending on dining, lodging, and shopping provides a significant boost to the regional economy.
“Cardinals baseball is a key tourism demand generator, welcoming millions of fans from across Cardinal Nation to enjoy baseball and experience St. Louis’ line-up of world class attractions, parks, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Cardinals baseball not only helps support the jobs of more than 90,000 St. Louisans employed in the hospitality industry, but it also provides a source of pride for our community to rally around,” said Brian Hall, Chief Marketing Officer at Explore St. Louis.
The Greater St. Louis, Inc. analysis uses the economic impact model IMPLAN, which measures how spending tied to an event has multiple impacts and spreads throughout a region, thereby benefiting households and firms within the region. The direct, indirect, and total economic impact figures are based on estimates of visitor spending and the economic contribution of the Cardinals and Busch Stadium operations.
* “Direct economic impact” refers to spending at and around Busch Stadium during home games, for example: ticket purchases; food and entertainment at or near the stadium before, during, or after games; out-of-town visitors staying at hotels, etc. “Indirect economic impact” refers to business-to-business purchases in the regional supply chain that stem from the initial direct purchases. An example is a local company selling hot dogs and buns to vendors at Busch Stadium who, in turn, sell them to fans on game day.
Media Contacts:
Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLInc.com
Brian Hall | | 314-992-0651 | BHall@explorestlouis.com