PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An economic impact study on the Eagles' Super Bowl was recently conducted to prepare for some major sporting events coming 2026 to the Philadelphia region.
The report will serve as a cost-benefit analysis for the city, examining how large-scale events impact the local economy.
Philadelphia is set to host several major events in 2026, including March Madness, the MLB All-Star Game, the FIFA World Cup, and the PGA World Championship.
To prepare, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas requested that City Controller Christy Brady conduct a Super Bowl XIL (59) Economic Impact Study. It showed tourism and hospitality industry in Philadelphia benefited greatly during the Eagles’ playoffs and the Super Bowl parade.
"I think it is our goal is to make sure that the people understand how these events these initiatives have a fiscal impact on our city so for us its not necessarily about the findings the comptrollers does a great job with this stuff, it was more about making the process transparent to the public so people understand why we invest in these things and the types of impact it has on a city even if you are not an Eagles fan, a FIFA fan, or MLB fan."
According to the study, the most expensive cost was spent on police overtime, specifically for the parade, at $667,000.
The biggest revenue the controller found was with hotel bookings. From Feb. 13th-15th, hotel revenue jumped by $4.3 million compared to the same time last year. Occupancy rates hit 90% with a 24% rise in room demand, and a 42% increase in revenue.
“The parade was just a preview. So for anyone who is a doubter or anybody skeptical about our ability to not just pull 2026 off but to make sure it's done in a way to be fiscally beneficial, not just to the city, but to the private sector as well. The report is communication that positive things are on the horizon,” said Thomas.