It has been a great year to be a sports fan in the state of Michigan. With three Michigan-based teams, the Detroit Lions, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Red Wings all having good 2023-2024 seasons, we are feeling good about how several Michigan sports’ have fared. Not only are Michigan sports fans over the moon, but the spotlight these teams shine on Michigan will likely continue to have an overwhelmingly positive effect on the economy in the state.
As big fans of Michigan-based teams, all of us on the editorial team can say we are ecstatic about the amazing runs the teams aforementioned recently have had. We are equally excited about the economic impact that these teams offer to Michigan, especially Detroit.
A large part of the economic boost seen through the popular seasons is the revenue brought in through sports tourism. Sports tourism brings in huge crowds to watch games, which in turn boosts the economy through sales at restaurants, hotel stays, gas, car rentals and other accommodations throughout the trips.
In response to the Lion’s successful season, the Detroit economy has seen a boost in sports tourism. We are very excited that the Lions and other teams’ successful seasons are bringing more tourists to boost the economy in Detroit.
According to the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, in an article published by Fox 2 Detroit a Detroit home NFL playoff game “brings about $20 million to the city.” Additionally, an analysis from Anderson Economic Group, LLC. estimated the divisional playoff game between the Lions and Buccaneers would bring in over $50 million in revenue.
We are ecstatic about this economic boost the city will be experiencing. It continues to help keep our economy running while also boosting all the amazing things Detroit has to offer the surrounding communities.
Chris Moyer, the senior director of communications and public affairs for Visit Detroit said to WILX 10 that the Lion’s incredible run this year “has been a major boom for the economy for Detroiters, for Southeast Michiganders, and for the entire state.” When you have a winning football team, when you have a winning sports team, more people want to come to the city.”
The renaissance of Michigan sports drove fans to stadiums and put butts in seats. The Lions broke the Ford Field attendance record during their electrifying playoff run, and the Wolverines, like clockwork, led the NCAA in attendance.
Naturally, local businesses and restaurants flourished with the increased traffic and attention. Harry’s Detroit Bar & Grill saw their business triple their daily earnings during the Lions’ wildcard playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Going from a $20,000 daily average to over $60,000, Cesar Ramirez, the assistant general manager at Harry’s, told the New York Times that he credits Harry’s “huge uptick” in business to the Lions’ success.
With more money circulating through small businesses and entertainment-based businesses in the city, we see the revenue boost as a positive opportunity for Detroit to continue to flourish and grow.
Sports tourism and entertainment are supportive of the community it takes place in and of fans across the state. We are happy to cheer on Michigan sports, especially when it is also supporting Michigan city economies.
