U of M Extension experts estimate that lost revenue from Monday night's relocated Minnesota Vikings game could cost the Twin Cities area upwards of $9 million.
U of M experts estimate economic impact of lost Vikings game at more than $9 million
MEDIA NOTE: These experts are based in U of M Extension's South Central Regional Office in Mankato, Minn.
Minnesota Vikings fans might not be the only ones left out in the cold over the Metrodome roof collapse. What does the loss of a Vikings home game mean for the metro area economy? Two University of Minnesota Extension Experts who can comment are:
David Nelson, community economics Extension educator and Brigid Tuck, analyst, University of Minnesota Extension
Nelson and Tuck estimate the economic impact of Vikings game attendees (or the absence of a game) on the greater metropolitan area is $9.1 million dollars. Tuck says this impact calculates only those dollars spent by visitors coming to the city to attend the game (no game ticket revenues themselves or vending sales of food, beverage or souvenirs are included).
Based on a study of an analysis of the Jan. 17, 2010, Vikings playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys, Nelson and Tuck estimate the following:
- The average visitor spent $230 while in the Twin Cities to attend the Vikings playoff game.
- The total economic impact of an individual playoff game visitor’s spending is $359.
- There were 25,160 visitors (non-metro residents) in attendance of the playoff game.
- In total, visitors in the metro as a direct result of the Vikings game spent $5.8 million in restaurants, hotels, retail stores and transportation.
- Due to the $5.8 million of spending by Vikings visitors, overall sales (output) in the Twin Cities economy expanded by $9.1 million for the weekend.
This impact was calculated by the Economic Impact Analysis program at the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality.
To interview Nelson or Tuck, contact Preston Smith at smith@umn.edu or (612) 625-0552.
Expert Alert is a service provided by the University News Service. Delivered regularly, Expert Alert is designed to connect university experts to today’s breaking news and current events. For an archive and other useful media services, visit www.unews.umn.edu. Views expressed by experts do not represent the views of the University of Minnesota.