Estimated value could be up to a $50 million local economic impact, according to Jeff Webster with the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
SAN ANTONIO — With the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks duke it out in the NBA Finals, local businesses, especially hotels, are also looking to score big.
“The city’s really energized. My staff is energized, we’re all wearing our shirts today,” said Jennifer Armistead, general manager of the Canopy by Hilton hotel in San Antonio.
Around this time of year, she said hotel occupancy is sitting around 75%. But recently, she’s been looking at slam dunks for business.
“In the last week, we have seen our numbers go up to 95%. We are sold out tonight (Wednesday) for example, so we are seeing an immediate impact from those home games,” Armistead said.
Jeff Webster, president and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, recalls his morning flight back home, which served as a reminder that giant profits are on the horizon. He said there was an about a $12 million local economic impact when the Spurs played in the finals in 2014. But this time could be even more financially prosperous for the community.
“Guess what, there’s 10-15 on just that one flight of New York fans coming into San Antonio for this game,” Webster said. “Estimated value could be up to $50 million economic impact here.”
Tourism leaders noted the benefits come from more than just ticket sales. Visitors spend money throughout the city on lodging, dining, entertainment, and attractions.
“That’s amazing, anywhere between 2 and 4,000 people coming from outside of San Antonio to our city. And they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, go to the cultural places,” Gonzalez said.
Hotel managers believe the national spotlight on San Antonio could have benefits that last well beyond the championship series.
“I think it’s exciting, especially to be on the national stage now,” said Chaitan Mugili, general manager of the Westin Riverwalk.
Mugli hopes the exposure will encourage future tourism in the coming months.
“We have summer coming up and now people will be like, maybe we should go to San Antonio,” Mugili said.