The Economic Impact of Away Games During Playoff Season
As the Boston Red Sox face off against their longtime rivals, the New York Yankees, in a high-stakes three-game playoff series, the excitement reverberating through New England comes with a bitter financial reality for local businesses. The series, which could have generated millions in revenue for Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore area, is instead benefiting New York establishments while leaving Massachusetts hospitality businesses watching from the sidelines.
“If these were home games we would be sold out from tonight to Wednesday,” lamented Shane McWeeny, general manager of Hotel Commonwealth near Kenmore Square, perfectly encapsulating the sentiment shared across Boston’s hospitality sector.
The Fenway Economic Ecosystem: More Than Just Baseball
The area surrounding Fenway Park has evolved into a sophisticated economic ecosystem that extends far beyond the ballpark’s iconic Green Monster. Hotels, restaurants, bars, parking facilities, and retail establishments have built their business models around the rhythms of Red Sox baseball, with playoff games representing some of the most lucrative opportunities of the year.
Hotel Industry Takes the Biggest Hit
The hotel sector faces perhaps the most significant impact from the away series. During a typical home playoff series, properties like Hotel Commonwealth, The Verb Hotel, and other Fenway-adjacent accommodations can command premium rates while achieving near-100% occupancy. Industry experts estimate that a three-game home playoff series can generate between $2-4 million in direct hotel revenue for the greater Boston area.
“We’re not just talking about game-day revenue,” explains hospitality consultant Maria Rodriguez, who has studied the economic impact of Boston sports. “Playoff series bring visitors who stay multiple nights, dine at local restaurants, and contribute to the broader tourism economy. The ripple effect is substantial.”
Bars and Restaurants: A Different Strategy
While hotels face direct losses from away games, bars and restaurants employ varied strategies to capture fan engagement. Many establishments near Fenway Park have invested heavily in creating premium viewing experiences, complete with large-screen displays, specialty menu items, and themed promotions designed to replicate the ballpark atmosphere.
Popular venues like Bleacher Bar, Cask ‘n Flagon, and newer establishments such as Time Out Market have developed loyal followings among fans who prefer watching games in a social setting rather than at home. However, the revenue generated from away-game viewing parties, while significant, typically represents only 30-40% of what home games produce.
Historical Context: The Red Sox-Yankees Economic Rivalry
The economic implications of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry extend far beyond individual games. This storied competition, dating back over a century, has created what economists call a “rivalry premium” – the additional economic value generated when these two teams face each other compared to games against other opponents.
Research conducted by the Boston Economic Development Council shows that Red Sox-Yankees games at Fenway Park generate approximately 15-20% more economic activity than typical home games. This premium reflects not only higher attendance and ticket prices but also increased spending on merchandise, food, beverages, and ancillary services.
The Playoff Multiplier Effect
Playoff games amplify this economic impact exponentially. Beyond the immediate spending by attendees, playoff baseball creates a media buzz that attracts visitors who might not otherwise visit Boston. Local tourism boards report that successful playoff runs can boost hotel occupancy rates throughout the greater Boston area, not just in the immediate Fenway vicinity.
“A deep playoff run acts as a tourism catalyst,” notes Dr. James Chen, an economics professor at Suffolk University who studies sports economics. “The national media attention, combined with the emotional investment of fans, creates a unique economic opportunity that extends well beyond the games themselves.”
Small Business Perspectives: The Unsung Economic Players
While major hotels and restaurant chains have the resources to weather the financial impact of away games, smaller businesses face more acute challenges. Street vendors, independent bars, and family-owned restaurants that depend heavily on game-day foot traffic must find creative ways to maintain revenue during away series.
Tony Marcello, who has operated a souvenir stand near Fenway for over two decades, describes the stark contrast: “Home playoff games are like Christmas morning for small vendors. Away games? We’re lucky to make enough to cover our daily expenses. The difference is night and day.”
Adaptation and Innovation
Many small businesses have developed innovative approaches to capitalize on away games. Some establishments offer “Yankees Losing Parties” with special promotions that activate when the Red Sox take the lead. Others create elaborate viewing experiences with discounted food and beverages designed to draw customers who might otherwise stay home.
The Broader Economic Implications
The financial impact extends beyond immediate business losses. Municipal tax revenues, parking fees, and public transportation usage all decline significantly during away playoff series. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) estimates that home playoff games generate 3-4 times more ridership on Green Line trains serving Fenway compared to away games.
Employment Considerations
For many seasonal and part-time workers in the Fenway area, playoff games represent crucial earning opportunities. Servers, bartenders, parking attendants, and security personnel often depend on the enhanced tips and additional hours that come with high-profile games. Away series mean fewer shifts and reduced income during what should be peak earning season.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Future Home Games
Despite the current financial disappointment, business owners maintain optimism about potential future opportunities. If the Red Sox advance past the Yankees series, subsequent rounds could potentially return to Fenway Park, providing the economic boost that local businesses are currently missing.
“We’re ready,” emphasizes McWeeny from Hotel Commonwealth. “The moment we know games are coming back to Boston, we’ll mobilize our entire operation to maximize the opportunity.”
Key Takeaways
- Revenue Loss: Boston area hotels lose an estimated $2-4 million in direct revenue when playoff series are played away from Fenway Park
- Rivalry Premium: Red Sox-Yankees games generate 15-20% more economic activity than typical home games
- Small Business Impact: Independent vendors and restaurants face disproportionate challenges during away playoff series
- Adaptation Strategies: Local businesses employ creative viewing parties and promotions to capture away-game audiences
- Municipal Effects: Public transportation usage and city tax revenues decline significantly during away playoff games
- Employment Impact: Seasonal workers lose crucial earning opportunities during away series
This article is based on reporting from the original source
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.