The State H.S. Hockey Tourney's Economy Impact
ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- It is going to be a busy weekend in St. Paul.
The boys' state high school hockey tournament continues at Xcel Energy Center Friday with the semifinals in both Class A and 2-A, which is huge for the local economy.
Thousands of people are in St. Paul for this annual event and these games are known to sell out.
The representative for the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau says the event generates about $2 million into the city. She says fans are spending money at restaurants on hotels and transportation.
"We've been to a lot of the different restaurants along the way here, been eating breakfast, been eating dinner down here – a lot of lunches," said Mahtomedi fan Mark Posner. "It's just packed and everyone's excited for Minnesota hockey."
Since so many people are in town, the hotels in downtown St. Paul are near capacity. But it's a win-win for the economy and the teams that take home the trophies.
Friday featured 2-A teams in action and in the last two days, Minnesota High School hockey has been featured on ESPN's Top 10 Plays of the Day.