World Series pumping profits into Houston

The Astros appearing in the World Series not only gives us bragging rights, it’s giving Houston a huge economic boost.  The profits being pumped into the city are benefiting businesses beyond downtown.

It helps that everyone and their mother have been buying Astros apparel at Minute Maid Park and anywhere across the city they can get their hands on ‘Stros, stuff but shopping for souvenirs is only the beginning of why baseball is bringing big bucks into the Bayou City.

"I'm buying my son and myself a t-shirt and hat," one man says smiling, and they aren’t the only ones gearing up and getting into the ‘Stros spirit.

"We got some hats and a few t-shirts.  We got a nice t-shirt for my niece who’s in from England also," adds Matthew Taylor.

People are purchasing Astros attire, plus visitors are coming to town for the game and going by restaurants.  Add in swarms staying in hotels, taking taxis and using public transportation, and it all equals a hefty chunk of change coming into the Bayou City thanks to the big baseball games.

"It's a six to $12 million impact per game.  So for the three games that will be played in Houston we're looking at anywhere between $20 and 30 million on the economy," explains Sr. VP of Research & Regional Economist Patrick Jankowski with the Greater Houston Partnership.  Jankowski says on the heels of Harvey the World Series is just what the economist ordered.

"People are going to see Houston in a good light.  They're going to see a championship baseball team, a city having a great time." 

The last time Houston was seen around the world we were under water but not anymore.

Jankowski estimates Houston will have an extra 50 million sets of eyes on the city as the Astros duel with the Dodgers.

"When the baseball fans, when the American public looks at Minute Maid Park and they look at downtown they're going to see a city that's open for business."

Jankowski expects the World Series money to make its way through the city and not just stop in downtown restaurants, shops and bars.

Just in February, Houston raked in $350 million as a result of the Super Bowl.