Phillies Postseason Is Another Home Run For Philadelphia Economy

10/8/2009rnPhillies Postseason Is Another Home Run For Philadelphia Economyrn rnPhiladelphia, October 8, 2009- As the Philadelphia Phillies begin another run through the playoff series, the City’s economy will also be a big beneficiary. The Phillies began defending their World Championship yesterday, when they defeated the Colorado Rockies in Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park. According to the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce and the Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, a successful run through the postseason could generate up to $20M in incremental spending for the area economy. rnrn“We are delighted that the Phillies have reached the postseason for a third straight year,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “The Phils continue to generate tremendous pride and excitement throughout the city and region, while also providing a welcomed boost to our local economy and benefit to businesses of every shape and size.”rnrnThe estimated figure includes visitor spending and direct city tax revenues only, and does not incorporate additional spending by area residents in response to the Phillies playoff run. An extended post-season run could generate more than $17M in direct spending from visiting fans, media, sponsors and Major League Baseball partners. In addition, the City of Philadelphia could reap up to $3M in direct revenues if the Phillies post-season run continues through the World Series via various taxes (i.e. amusement, sales, parking and hotel room tax).rnrn“We’re thrilled on many levels to be back in the postseason,” said David Montgomery, Phillies president and recently named Sports Congress chairman. “One of them is certainly the positive impact to the area hospitality community and the chance to put Philadelphia back into the national spotlight.” rnrnThis week’s two Division Series games could generate between $5-7M in visitor spending and tax revenues, as more than 3,000 out-of-town visitors are expected in Philadelphia.rnrnMore than 200 media credentials are expected to be issued for this week’s games.rnrnThe Phillies have now won three straight National League East Division Championships for the first time since the mid-1970’s.