St. Louis Cardinals Will Generate More Than $300 Million in Economic Impact in 2022

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinals open the 2022 season at Busch Stadium this Thursday, April 7, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In advance of Opening Day, Greater St. Louis, Inc., along with Explore St. Louis and the Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative, today released a report estimating the Cardinals will generate more than $300 million in economic impact for the St. Louis metro.

“St. Louis is so excited for Cardinals opening day and a great season ahead of us,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Cardinals fans are some of the most dedicated in the country, and the team brings together families from across the region, keeping Downtown vibrant and business booming.”

In addition to the projected economic benefit brought by Cardinals home games, the large number of fans and visitors games bring to Downtown attractions like Ballpark Village, Kiener Plaza, Citygarden, Laclede’s Landing, and Washington Avenue will promote public safety by increasing the number of feet on the street.

“Albert Pujols is back. Yadi and Waino are back. And most importantly for Downtown and the St. Louis metro, the fans are coming back,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., which developed the economic projections. “The Cardinals are one of St. Louis’ great corporate citizens and unifying forces of our metro. Beyond the economic impact they provide for the region, they have been one of the key drivers in the effort to make Downtown the vibrant, safe, dynamic neighborhood the entire metro can enjoy.”

According to Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s analysis, the Cardinals are projected to attract 3 million fans who will generate $302.1 million in economic impact in the region. The analysis estimates the direct economic impact will total $141 million, spurring an indirect economic impact of $161.1 million.

Cardinals report out-of-town visitors are expected to make up more than 40% of game attendees. Visitor spending on dining, lodging, and shopping provides a significant boost to the regional economy.

"St. Louis' tourism industry is ready or an epic 2022 Cardinals season welcoming more than 3 million fans from near and far.  While they come for baseball, they also enjoy our many world class attractions and support area hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues creating vibrancy and excitement throughout our community," said Brian Hall, Chief Marketing Officer for Explore St. Louis.

This analysis uses the economic impact model IMPLAN, which measures how spending tied to an event has multiple impacts and spreads throughout a region, thereby benefiting households and firms within the region. The direct, indirect, and total economic impact figures are based on estimates of visitor spending and the economic contribution of the Cardinals and Busch Stadium operations.

The Cardinals rank 7th on Forbes Magazine's latest list of the most valuable baseball teams with a value of $2.45 billion.

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About Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. brings together business and civic leaders to create jobs, expand inclusive economic growth and improve St. Louis’ global competitiveness. We are dedicated to St. Louis’ growth and prosperity as a global metropolitan region that expands economic opportunity for all. We speak with a unified voice, lead with a bold agenda and act as one metropolitan region anchored by a vibrant urban core. Learn more here.

About Explore St. Louis
Explore St. Louis is the driving force behind St. Louis’ $5.9 billion convention and tourism industry, the official destination marketing organization of St. Louis City and County, and operator of the America’s Center Convention Complex. For more information, visit www.explorestlouis.com.