AFC Title Game Expected To Boost Local Economy
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Having another Pittsburgh Steelers home game is expected to bring an extra $20 million to the local economy.
One thing that is important to remember, when talking about a benefit to the economy, is almost everyone in the service industry benefits. That means workers such as bartenders, cabbies, hotel employees and others will get a boost from the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the AFC Championship Game.
Saturday night at the Bettis Grille 36, the Steelers' victory was a thing to celebrate.
When the New York Jets beat the New England Patriots Sunday night, it was like a lightning bolt hit the business.
"Oh my God, electrifying. The guests went crazy, the staff's excited, people are excited to have one more big week here in Pittsburgh," Mike Duganier with Bettis Grille 36 said.
The restaurant alone will employ 30 more people than it would have, had the game been in New England.
In addition, New York fans apparently tip well.
"They did pretty good last time, so they seem like they're pretty nice fans, even though they're going to lose," Jenna Byrd said.
On Tuesday, the new Stage AE will announce acts, which will play Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Next door, the Hyatt Place hotel is sold out this weekend at $399 a night.
"It means everything. It's going to be a great revenue generator for us. We're looking to add staff to the hotel for the weekend to take care of all the guests that are coming in, and it's another great thing for the city of Pittsburgh as well," Chris Chesebrough said.
Merchants in the Strip District are expected to do big business this weekend, including the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, which is shipping Pittsburgh food favorites all over the country.
With the NHL's Winter Classic and two home playoff games, this month alone has brought about a $70 million economic boost to the city.
That money goes into the hands of businesses and individuals, but also into the city and county's bank account in taxes such as payroll, amusement and drink taxes.
The game is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and can be seen on KDKA-TV.
