A new study, completed by Micronomics (an independent economic research firm), estimates that NBA All-Star Weekend generated at least $116 million in increased economic activity for Los Angeles County. Of that $116 million, an estimated $90 million is tied to tourism; visitors from out of town spending in local hotels, restaurants and in Jimmy Butler’s case, possibly clubs. The Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission also believes that the city receives intangible value (new visitors, or new interest from returning visitors) from the league marketing it as a desirable destination to a global audience. L.A. will host several other prominent sporting events over the next several years, including the ’22 Super Bowl, ’23 CFB National Championship Game and the ’28 Summer Olympics.
Howie Long-Short: If Micronomics estimates are correct, the All-Star Game brought 40% more business to Los Angeles than it did to New Orleans, last season. A July ’17 study by the LSU Economics & Policy Research Group, indicated that 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend generated $44.9 million in direct revenues for the State of Louisiana and an additional $37.8 million in indirect benefits. $116 million is a particularly impressive figure when you consider that the MLB All-Star Game played in Anaheim in 2010 (just a 30-mile drive from Staples Center), generated just $85 million; no MLB All-Star Game (except the 2 recently hosted at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field) has ever made a larger impact on a host city.
Fan Marino: Jimmy Butler was a healthy scratch from Sunday’s All-Star Game, technically listed as DNP-Coach’s decision. The official word is that Butler was seeking rest after logging heavy minutes and battling injuries throughout the first half of the season. Whispers tell another story; Butler went out on All-Star Saturday Night and was too hung over to play for Team Curry on Sunday. Understandable as a fan, if true, not acceptable from a player; he’s there on business, he should have played.
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