Can Hockey Save The Economy?

Okay, so the Stanley Cup playoffs are not the answer to the global economic crisis. But the impact on NHL cities is not insignificant.

Take Vancouver for example. The Vancouver Sun cited a BC Restaurant and Food Services Association survey that claims there is a 30% increase in food and beverage purchases on Canucks playoff game nights compared to non Canucks game nights.

Beer sales were up over 70%, wine and other alcohol sales up over 45% and food sales up over 16%. Interestingly, 60% of the entire game day's business came during the Canucks game.

That's just the food and drinks for people not attending the game. The Canucks themselves are reportedly raking in as much as over $3 million per home game in ticket, concession, souvenir and parking revenues.

In 2006 the Vancouver Hotel Association estimated the Canucks playoff participation was worth $5 million per game night to the city of Vancouver.

Mind you, these studies do not likely take into account business losses suffered due to increased employee absenteeism. After all, who wants to work when the Canucks are in a big game?

Oh, and the Canucks are definitely impacting more than just the economy. They are also impacting the provincial election. Not only are the Canucks keeping the election on the secondary pages of the newspapers, but, according a story in the Vancouver Province, the Canucks success in the playoffs could directly influence the outcome of the election.