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World Series brings potential windfall for the local economy
FOX 26 Reporter Tom Zizka has more on how the World Series may help local businesses in the Houston area.
HOUSTON - As the Astros begin their third World Series in five seasons, at least one estimate suggests as many as 10,000 out-of-town baseball fans, from both teams, will visit Houston for the series.
Greater Houston Partnership economist Patrick Jankowski says a seven-game World Series could mean $28 to $40 million dollars in local economic activity. That's valuable cash for those catering to fans.
In the hours before the first pitch, downtown Houston saw a lot of baseball fans roaming the streets for several blocks in every direction, near Minute Maid Park. While the immediate area, around the ballpark, is little more than condos and parking lots, visitors don't seem worried about finding something to do.
"It's gorgeous," says one Braves fan, "I've never been to downtown, here, but this is awesome."
Houston's hospitality sector is ready for this post-season business bump. All around are the signs they're ready to entertain and make a buck. A $70 dollar parking sign, near the park, shows that the celebration has its price. Between hotels, restaurants, and bars, the Greater Houston Partnership anticipates thousands of visitors will spend as much as $10 million dollars, each game.
In the shadow of Minute Maid, Jackson Street BBQ is depending on the business.
"It's a make or break," says pitmaster Steve Ryan, "We lost so much money during Covid, and the owner kept us open on the bet that it would come back. It's a good thing he's a gambling man, because it came back."
City leaders expect fans will have all the resources they need.
"People like to come down early; they like to eat and drink; they like to socialize; get into the whole vibe of everything walk to the ballpark," says Angie Bertinot, of the Houston Downtown Management District, "It's really a true experience."
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Unlike a Super Bowl, or the Final Four, which have a lot more build-up surrounding the games, the Greater Houston Partnership says the World Series is much more of a 'feel-good' event for the city. With the majority of fans being local, the series is also a chance to show Houston in a positive light to a national audience.