The Padres have put in a bid to host the All-Star Game, and San Diego City officials on Monday approved a measure to rubber stamp city funds for the event.
The San Diego City Council approved a proposal to allow up to $1.5 million to cover police and fire department costs for the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2016 as well as city permitting and operational services.
At the heart of the pitch the council was the projected economic benefit of having the game here, including the five ensuing days of fan activities.
Major League Baseball officials say it would bring in about $80 million to the city of San Diego. Also, officials with the San Diego Tourism Authority say it would draw more than $1 million in sales tax and $1.2 million in hotel taxes.
But how accurate are those numbers?
The president of the National University Institute for Policy Research said he suspects most of the people attending the game will be from San Diego. Also, the summer time is already peak tourism season here.
“The analysis that has been done after the fact of these games suggests that these economic projections that are made by people are a lot more hype than they are substance,” said Erik Bruvold of the National University Institute for Policy Research.
Local
Bruvold said that ultimately the big winner could be the Padres, who could include an All-Star Game seating priority to season ticket holders.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is expected to announce the location for the 2016 All-Star Game before he retires next month.
