TAMPA — Business experts say typically, in a more traditional year, communities estimate anywhere from $250 million plus of economic impact when the Super Bowl is hosted in their city.
“Of course this year in particular, it’s everything but normal as we know as we’ve been going through over the past several months and so it’s going to be a different type of event and experience this year,” said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO of South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
She says with so many canceled in-person events this year, our events industry is not going to see much of an economic impact.
There also won’t be as many fans in the stands and fewer people traveling into town, which means less airport traffic and fewer people in hotels and dining out in restaurants.
That’s why for this Super Bowl, businesses are turning to locals to get that economic boost.
“I think we will see local residents out enjoying the Super Bowl festivities maybe more so than they would have if it was a team other than our hometown team playing this year,” said Flannery.
Businesses are relying on the community to support them.
Shops have been preparing; be on the look out for special promotions.
“To encourage local citizens who want to come out and enjoy the festivities. Whether that is to come watch the game in one of our local restaurants or bars, lots of stores are selling retail items right now,” said Flannery.
Officials tell us many businesses have been working to make sure things are safe and COVID-19 friendly.
Experts are encouraging local spots to continue to be stringent with their COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
If you don’t feel comfortable going out, you can still support Bay area business by staying in.
“There’s definitely an opportunity for the community to continue as we have been, supporting small businesses throughout this time. For those that are not out enjoying restaurants, consider take out and many of our catering companies are also offering special platters and special things for those people who maybe want to celebrate in smaller groups at home with their immediate family,” said Flannery.
Regardless of what happens during the big game, experts say Tampa will be riding this wave for quite some time.
“It’s our hometown team making history,” said Flannery.
