DETROIT — The Detroit Lions NFL Divisional Playoff game this Sunday is expected to have a huge economic impact on the city.
Anderson Economic Group, LLC (AEG), based out of East Lansing, estimates that the game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will net the city over $50 million in economic impacts.
The consulting firm estimates that expenditures by people attending the game will have a direct economic impact of $31,651,281. AEG also believes there will be an additional indirect impact of $20,573,333.
The combined total comes in at $52,225,614 in estimated economic impacts to the city from Sunday's upcoming game.
“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.”
AEG used methodology to determine the economic impact 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."
Visit Detroit, the city's convention and visitors bureau, says that Detroit was named the best city for visiting NFL fans because of its 129 bars and 25+ sports bars within a one-mile radius.
The Lions will host the Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. Here's how to watch the game.
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