Mets fans aren’t the only ones celebrating the team’s World Series berth.
Next week, thousands of fans will attend Citi Field to watch the Amazin’ Mets take a crack at a championship and will also bring their wallets along with them, spreading the wealth with local hotels, eateries and shops.
Rob MacKay, director of public relations, marketing and tourism for the Queens Economic Development Corporation, said that area hotels will probably get a $2 to $4 million bump on each home game day. The Hyatt Place in Flushing is already completely sold out on Oct. 30, when the first home game of the series will take place. A room at The Parc during game week will go for $308 per night, up from the average $168 before the games.
Vendors inside the stadium and Queens bars will also go home with heavier pockets.
“The real winners will be the vendors inside the stadium, and I’m happy to inform that many local eateries are there, including Mama’s of Corona,” MacKay said. “Other winners will be the bars that screen the games.”
MacKay also pointed out that the borough will be on TV screens around the world, and he is hoping that game announcers discuss “the wonderfulness” of Queens and use images to highlight the borough’s beauty.
Dena Libner, a spokesperson for the city’s official tourism organization NYC & Company, echoed that sentiment and said that Queens’ television debut may encourage people to visit the borough even after the World Series is over.
“But the value of hosting big events goes far beyond that immediate economic impact; with so many eyes on New York City, people from out of town may be reminded that a visit is long overdue and be inspired to come here months after the World Series is over,” Libner said.
The Economic Development Corporation is set to release an economic impact report next week to accurately gauge the effect of the World Series on Queens’ economy.
