When it comes to the economic impact of Boston sports, the month of April started off strong with the Boston Marathon. This event marks the beginning of a busy visitor season in the city.
Excitement and business are booming as the Bruins and Celtics are set to start the playoffs this weekend at TD Garden. David O’Donnell, vice president of strategic communications for Meet Boston, stated that the marathon initiates a period of robust sports activity that draws in a large number of fans.
The Bruins and Celtics making the playoffs has both fans and businesses thrilled for what lies ahead. The economic impact of the marathon alone is estimated to be over $150 million. This includes the money spent by the 30,000 runners who travel from around the world, their friends and families who come to watch, and the spending at hotels and restaurants.
With the marathon leading into the playoff runs for the local teams, there is an air of excitement in the city. Fans are looking forward to cheering on their favorite teams at home games.
For businesses like “Sauce” inside Hub Hall at TD Garden, the influx of fans is good for revenue. Owner Orlando Abreu expressed excitement at the prospect of a bustling business during this time.
Restaurants on Canal Street are also benefiting from the sports season. Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the street will be closed to traffic on game days to create a pedestrian hub. This change is expected to bring in more patrons, providing additional revenue for businesses in the area.
Overall, as Boston gears up for the playoffs and as the city experiences a surge in visitors due to the marathon, businesses are optimistic about the positive economic impact of the sports season.