A study released yesterday by Sports Management
Research Institute (SMRI) reported that Super Bowl XXXIII
had a $396M economic impact on South FL, according to Scott
& Weaver of the Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, who write that
"most" of that impact occurred in Miami-Dade County and
parts of Broward County. Local tourism boosters "praised"
the event as the year's "biggest single boost" for South FL
tourism. Scott & Weaver note "similar impact studies have
been criticized as boosterish because they are designed to
justify local governments' spending thousands for the
privilege of hosting a Super Bowl." SMRI's report "was paid
for by the local Super Bowl Host Committee and the NFL."
The report was based on surveys of about 3,273 people at
hotels, airports, the game and more than 40 related
entertainment events. Report author Kathleen Davis said
that she arrived at the figure "first by estimating $239
million in direct expenditures by visitors, the media, the
NFL and 24 league contractors." Davis then used a
"multiplier effect" (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 6/24).