| By: |
Robert Baade (Department of Economics and Business, Lake Forest College);
Robert Baumann (Department of Economics, College of the Holy Cross);
Victor Matheson (Department of Economics, College of the Holy Cross) |
| Abstract: |
This paper provides an empirical examination of the economic impact of
spectator sports on local economies. Confirming the results of other ex post
analyses of sports in general, this paper finds no statistically significant
evidence that college football games in particular contribute positively to a
host’s economy. Our analysis from 1970-2004 of 63 metropolitan areas that play
host to big-time college football programs finds that neither the number of
home games played, the winning percentage of the local team, nor winning a
national championship has a discernable impact on either employment or
personal income in the cities where the teams play. While successful college
football teams may bring fame to their alma mater, fortune appears to be a bit
more elusive. |
| Keywords: |
sports, football, college sports, impact analysis, mega-event |
| JEL: |
L83 I20 O18 R11 |
| Date: |
2007–02 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:spe:wpaper:0701&r=spo |