Friday, April 11, 2008

Minor League Baseball is a Home Run for N.C.

North Carolina is home to 10 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams from Rookie to Triple-A, representing five different leagues. Collectively, the teams have a significant impact on the State’s economy.

A new analysis of this economic impact was announced today during a news conference at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which will host its home opener tonight. The Durham CVB computed the statewide impact using information provided by each of the 10 teams and the IMPLAN input-output model.

The analysis, which was based on the 2007 season, found:
  • Annually, North Carolina’s 10 MiLB teams draw more than 2.3 million fans, or more than twice the number drawn to NASCAR events.
  • Overall, the fans generate $59.6 million in direct spending, adding $47 million in value (direct, indirect and induced impact) to the State’s economy.
  • The teams pay or induce $9.1 million in wages.
  • The teams collectively generate $5.2 million in state and local sales tax revenue alone.
Some other interesting facts about MiLB:
  • There are 176 teams across the US and Canada.
  • MiLB outdraws the NFL, NBA and NHL in attendance, with nearly as many as the NHL and NBA combined.
  • More than 4 in 10 fans are women, nearly 7 in 10 are in the prime 18-44 age group, half have children at home, and nearly 8 in 10 are homeowners.
  • Attendance has swelled from 12.3 million in 1980 to more than 43 million last season.
  • North Carolina’s association with Minor League Baseball can be traced back to its inception in 1901 with membership in the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.
  • North Carolina was home to the headquarters for MiLB from 1933-1946 when then Durham Bulls owner, Judge William G. Bramham, was president of the league.
Click here to view the complete economic impact analysis.

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