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Over 3.3 million fans projected as Redbirds go for 12th World Series title
Greater St. Louis, Inc. and Explore St. Louis today released an analysis estimating the Cardinals will generate more than $350 million in economic impact for the St. Louis metro during the 2023 season. The annual report comes in advance of the 2023 season opener at Busch Stadium in which the Cardinals will take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
“St. Louis has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and we’re so excited to kick off the season with Opening Day this week,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Our home games are expected to continue bringing millions to Downtown, helping keep it active and supporting our local businesses.”
According to the analysis by Greater St. Louis, Inc., the Cardinals are projected to attract over 3.3 million fans who will generate $350.2 million in economic impact in the region. That total amount is comprised of $153.3 million in direct economic impact and $196.9 million in indirect economic impact.*
“Sports has been one of the true success stories of St. Louis recently, with CITY SC, the Battlehawks, Blues, and the NASCAR Cup Series creating excitement and energy across the metro,” said Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO Jason Hall. “Adding millions of Cardinal fans filling the streets, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues Downtown will continue that positive impact throughout the year and strengthen our efforts to make Downtown the safe, vibrant, dynamic neighborhood the entire metro can enjoy.”
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.
"While millions of visitors come to St. Louis for Cardinals Baseball, they stay for our world class, family-friendly attractions, enjoy one of the hottest food and beverage scenes in the United States and delight in our arts, music and culture," said Brian Hall, Chief Marketing Officer for 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.
The Cardinals rank 10th on Forbes Magazine's latest list of the most valuable baseball teams with a value of $2.55 billion.
* “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
Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Tony Wyche
Tony@GreaterSTLinc.com | 314-398-9991
Explore St. Louis
Brian Hall
BHall@explorestlouis.com | 314-992-0651