Economic Impact of NFL Games on Local Communities

This report examines the economic impact of NFL games on local spending, particularly during significant events like the Super Bowl. It outlines how consumer spending on attending spectator sports increased by over 25% in November 2025 compared to 2019, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The analysis highlights that on NFL game days, credit and debit card spending in stadium zip codes rises by approximately 77%. The report also discusses the spending patterns of fans, noting that food, drinks, parking, and lodging see significant increases. Furthermore, the document presents data indicating that Super Bowls can generate additional spending boosts, with a median increase of 7% over typical game day spending. The findings suggest that local economies benefit from the influx of visitors during major games, as evidenced by the previous Super Bowl held at Levi's Stadium in 2016, which attracted over a million fans and resulted in substantial revenue increases for local businesses. Overall, the report emphasizes the role of sports in driving economic growth in host communities.