Center City Philadelphia packed in 353,914 fans on Super Bowl Sunday. The crowd showed a 97% jump from the previous week and was 44% bigger than the 2018 Super Bowl turnout.
“As the Eagles kept winning, it was a big win for restaurants. It was a big win for hotels, people were coming into the city,” said Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association to 6ABC.
Downtown hotels hit 92% capacity before the 2018 victory parade, with rooms staying 90% full during the celebrations. Current numbers are still pending.
The celebration’s timing creates headaches for local businesses. “Valentine’s Day is the restaurant Super Bowl. I mean, it is the number one biggest night of the year for restaurants in Philadelphia,” Fileccia said.
Owners worry about missing out on money from parade-related cancellations. “The worst thing would be a no-show because we don’t get business. And then somebody who really wanted to get here for Valentine’s Day can’t make it so just looking at that empty seat’s not a good thing,” said Michael O’Halloran, who owns Charlie Was a Sinner.
Clean-up crews will move quickly after the parade to keep dinner plans flowing. O’Halloran suggested: “You can go out in the morning and early afternoon and show love for the Eagles, and then come out for dinner and show love to your significant other.”
The NFL championship game brings huge money way beyond host cities, generating $300 million to $1.3 billion yearly. The NFL keeps all money from tickets and merchandise, plus TV deals.
Studies show playoff runs add $200 to local earnings per person yearly, adjusted for inflation. Championship wins put another $33 in each resident’s pocket.
The money comes less from team merchandise and more from happy fans spending more and working better. This spreads to help restaurants, venues, and tourist spots.
City workers will push to keep evening plans smooth. The double events test Philadelphia’s ability to handle both victory celebrations and romantic dinners, while businesses rush to take care of everyone.