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Rays Tally Influx Of Dollars

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: February 12, 2009

CLEARWATER - A study commissioned by the Tampa Bay Rays determined that baseball fans from beyond the Tampa Bay area generate $136.5 million to $212.5 million in direct tourism expenditures annually and that attendance has grown during the past three years.

The Rays estimated 455,000 tickets were sold to fans from out-of-town last season, according to the report released Wednesday by economic consultants Arduin, Laffer & Moore. Rays attendance last season was 1.78 million.

The report states that the Rays' 2008 postseason created $23.1 million in publicity for the Bay area.

Previously, Tampa International Airport officials and Pinellas County hoteliers indicated the Rays playoff and World Series appearances provided a welcome boost in traffic during a typically slow season made worse by the recession.

The survey, presented to the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council, is in line with one the council commissioned from tourism consultant Research Data Services Inc. of Tampa that found the Rays attracted about 5 percent of the county's 5 million-plus overnight visitors in 2008.

It is unclear whether the economic impact has or will affect community and business support in Pinellas County for finding a location for a new ballpark.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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