ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals 2024 season is projected to draw 3 million attendees and produce $311.1 million in economic activity in the city of St. Louis, according to a recent analysis from Greater St. Louis, Inc. and Explore St. Louis.
The estimated economic impact is down $40 million from projections made ahead of last year's season due to an expected decrease in attendance from 3.3 million fans in 2023, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.
According to the report, out-of-town visitors are expected to make up 35% of attendees this season. It's visitor spending on dining, lodging and shopping that boosts the local economy.
For many downtown business owners, the Cardinals home opener is their busiest day of the season.
"Any downtown home games are great for us, great for the business down here, just like Opening Day," Paddy O's Manager Rob Colie said. "... If you can't get into the game, there's bars around there. But you can always drift down this way, and you can watch the game on one of our 90 TVs."
It's not just Cardinals games that are having a big impact on downtown bars and restaurants. St. Louis CITY SC and the Battlehawks are also causing an uptick in local business.
“The Cardinals --- along with CITY SC, the Battlehawks, Blues, and the NASCAR Cup Series --- are driving energy, vibrancy, investment and growth in downtown St. Louis and across the metro,” Greater St. Louis, Inc. Chief Downtown Officer said in a statement. “Fans filling Downtown streets before, during and after games support local businesses and strengthen public safety."
"I love seeing these new teams coming, and just building on the momentum and the history that the Cardinals have. I just love it for our city," Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum Curator Amy Berra said. "I think it's wonderful."
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