Twenty-three years after baseball law descended on Denver, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game returns to Coors Field.
But things are very different this time.
Colorado is trying to emerge from a global pandemic, the local economy needs a shot in the arm and the decision to move the game to Denver is an abundance in politics. In response, the MLB enacted a new voting law in Georgia that raised concerns among civil rights groups that voting for coloreds would be restricted.
On Tuesday, when it was officially announced that the Rockies would be hosting the 91st edition of the Midsummer Classic on July 13, an enthusiastic government Jared Polis could not resist breaking out the baseball metaphors. He said Colorado was “swinging to the fences” and added that he expected COVID-19 to be under control and that players would perform in front of a “full packed stadium”. (Currently, attendance is limited to 42% of capacity).
Polis and Michel Hancock, mayor of Denver, are campaigning for the country and considering the economic benefits of having it in Denver, which Hancock said would have an economic impact of $ 100 million.
“This is a great relief for our economy here in Colorado,” Polis said. “This is an important turning point, not only for our return to normalcy (from COVID), but also for emphasizing Denver and Colorado on a national level, and showcasing the most amazing talent coming in Colorado.”
MLB said it was choosing Denver because the city had already submitted a plan to host a future All-Star Game and could quickly prepare for this year’s game.
“It all moved fast,” Hancock said. “What usually takes months or a matter of years to happen has happened within days.”
Details about the cost of tickets, how fans can buy them and what other opportunities will work with the game are still being worked out, the Rockies said. The annual MLB Amateur Concept is held for the first time during All-Star festivals.
Polis and Hancock both said Rockies owner Dick Monfort was “dead focused” on moving the game from Atlanta to Denver.
“If you look at the final spending, it’s probably going to be a little over $ 100 million,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver.
When Denver last hosted the game in 1998, the game brought in about $ 40 million in spending and other economic activities. Economists and tourism officials said the city has much more to offer and more ways to get visitors to spend than at the time.
Benefits will not just be limited to local spending, said Patricia Silverstein, chief economist at Development Research Partners in Littleton. Many trips can turn into long vacations that attract dollars all over the country, especially the mountain resorts.
“In addition, events like this are raising awareness of Metro Denver, which could mean the region is being considered / reconsidered for a business location or expansion,” she said.
Richard Scharf, CEO of Visit Denver, estimates the value of the television and social media exposure the city receives could be worth another $ 100 million, based on the cost of buying comparable airtime. After a long hiatus from the trip, the exposure is highly appreciated to win tourists over.
‘It seems that consumers do have the pent-up demand. There is a lot of desire to go to events like the All-Star Game, travel, go to restaurants and otherwise be in public, ‘said Nick Sly, an economist who oversees the Kansas Denver branch. City Federal Reserve Bank, said. .
The game will benefit the sector of the economy most affected by the pandemic – recreation and hospitality – as well as one of the hardest hit areas – downtown Denver. Especially hotels, restaurants and retailers around Coors Fields have the best to earn.
“This unexpected event will be a huge boost for the hospitality industry, which has suffered the most from COVID-19. Thousands of visitors will gather to celebrate America’s pastime in the Mile High City, ”said Walter Isenberg, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, which manages several hotels in the vicinity of the ballpark.
Isenberg said it will give Denver a chance to show the world that it is ready to welcome visitors safely.
“I’m very happy. It’s changing the plans for that week and I’ll make sure it’s all on deck,” said Angela Neri, owner of Pony Up, a bar and restaurant on 18th and Blake streets. “My biggest thing as an operator is to make sure I’m in stock and ready.”
Neri said that the supply not only eats and drinks, but that there are enough trained staff on hand. She is currently running at half her normal staff, according to the question. Many of those she had to let go during various closures have since moved on. Restaurants across the board are redirecting, retraining and rebuilding.
An important test for the hospitality industry in the city is the ability to provide an unforgettable experience in a great way to those who tune in for the contest. And the clock ticks.
The Rockies’ Bud Black, who was in the majors for 15 years and is in his 14th season as manager, was delighted with the news.
‘I’m excited about Colorado. I’m excited for Denver. “I am excited for baseball fans in this region,” he said. “I’m excited for baseball fans across the country to come and see our wonderful city.”
Black calls the All-Star Game ‘great fun and great fanfare’.
“It’s a wonderful, wonderful three days,” Black continued. “I know our city is going to embrace it. I know the Rockies organization is going to put on a great show. ”
Denver last hosted the All-Star Game on July 7, 1998 in Coors Field’s fourth year of existence. It was an unforgettable event. A sold-out crowd of 51,231 saw the U.S. league beat the National League 13-8 in the highest scoring ladder in the All-Star Game in history.