Detroit, MI – The net economic impact of the National Football League’s National Football Conference Divisional Playoff Game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is expected to exceed $50 million, according to new analysis from East Lansing-based economic consulting firm Anderson Economic Group, LLC.
AEG found that attendee expenditures will have a direct economic impact of $31,651,281, with an additional indirect impact of $20,573,333 for a combined total of $52,225,614.
To create this analysis, AEG followed a rigorous methodology that considers both direct costs and the substitution effects that occur when consumers choose one event over another, and included an allowance for the portion of the gate revenue captured by the NFL and other entities. The total includes both expenditures inside and outside the stadium by attendees, including the portion of people who travel to Detroit for the game and stay in hotels.
“Showcasing Detroit in a positive light on national television will lead to further indirect community and economic benefits on top of the direct benefits related to the second playoff game,” said Tyler Theile, vice president and director of public policy and economic analysis at AEG. “Not only will Ford Field be nearly sold out, but we’re expecting increased consumption at hotels, restaurants, retail stores and bars, from metro Detroit residents and people traveling in for the game as well, and those indirect benefits will extend far past Sunday’s game.”
“Americans like winning sports cities, and Detroit is a fabled town for its Tigers and Red Wings. Adding the Lions to that and getting downtown Detroit the prime-time exposure it deserves is going to be worth more in the future,” said Patrick L. Anderson, CEO of AEG.
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