Win or lose, Saints football has an effect on business in the metro area. Dr. Walter Lane, Chairman of the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of New Orleans, says that while the effects may not be measurable in the overall economy, to some businesses, it is significant.
One of the major determinates of consumer spending is consumer confidence; and while usually it is as it relates to the economy, there is some spillover effect when the Saints are winning. More people have parties and go out to bars and restaurants to watch the game when the Saints are winning.
Mark Romig, President and CEO of The New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation, says Saints football has a positive effect on tourism, regardless of the team’s record. He said Saints fans are loyal, and come to the games from all over the region, Saints fans show up, have a good time, and leave with good memories.
Visiting teams only get a limited number of tickets to the game, but many fans come to New Orleans not only for the game, but to spend time in the city.
