Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958
Bernadette O'Leary 212-312-3523 (EDC)
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today that when the Yankees win the World Series, their successful quest for a record 25th Championship will have generated as much as $37.9 million in total direct and indirect spending in New York City and an additional $4.1 million in tax revenues.
"By winning their 36th American League pennant, the Yankees have once again proved themselves to be the best team in baseball history," said Mayor Giuliani. "In the 1999 regular season alone, the Yankees generated approximately $106.5 million for the local economy. Now, the City will benefit even further from the team's post-season play, and I predict New York baseball fans will see the Yankees win the World Series for the third time in four years."
The Yankees' post-season play in the Division playoffs and the American League Championship Series generated a total of approximately $15.1 million in total spending and $1.8 million in tax revenues. When they beat the Braves in the World Series, they will create an additional $22.8 million in economic activity and $2.3 million in tax revenues.
During the regular season, the New York Mets generated $94.9 million for the City. Their home games in the Division Series and in their epic battle with the Atlanta Braves for the National League Championship produced $16.5 million in spending and $1.8 million in City taxes.
During 1999 regular-season play, attendance was up for both teams. The
Yankees drew an estimated 3.3 million fans, approximately 12 percent more than in 1998. The Mets attracted an estimated 2.7 million fans, up 17 percent from 1998.