Bengals playoff game could add millions to Cincinnati economy

The Enquirer spoke with David Brasington, PhD, a professor and the James C. and Caroline Kautz Chair in Political Economy at the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Brasington estimated the postseason game against the Baltimore Ravens could have a total economic impact of $9 million for the city.

Brasington used academic studies on the economic impact of large games for his estimate. One of the biggest effects on the local economy will come from fans who travel to Cincinnati for the game, he said.

Erwin Erhardt, PhD, associate professor-educator of economics in the Lindner College of Business, told WLWT the economic benefits of the game will extend beyond Paycor Stadium.

"Fans will be generating income not only for the team but for the city as well, with The Banks and other entertainment venues down there and beyond the city limits,” Erhardt said.

Along with the money made by businesses in downtown and beyond, Cincinnati also will benefit from the positive exposure of a nationally televised playoff game.

“It puts Cincinnati on the radar for maybe putting a branch or factory here,” Brasington told the Enquirer. “Otherwise, the name Cincinnati might not come up.

“The effect that it has on the spirit of the city, people banding together. That matters, too.”