The roar of the crowd wasn't confined to the stands of the Rogers Centre; it echoed in the cash registers of surrounding restaurants. As the Toronto Blue Jays battled through the playoffs, a remarkable surge in spending swept through the city’s dining scene, fueled by the electric energy of each game.
The most dramatic spike occurred during Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the stadium experienced a stunning 29% leap in transaction volume, a clear indication of fans flocking to celebrate – or commiserate – over a meal. Even the amount spent per visit increased by 17%, suggesting a willingness to indulge in the moment.
The excitement wasn’t limited to the downtown core. Across the entire city, restaurants saw a 9% increase in transactions and an 8% rise in the average purchase, demonstrating the widespread impact of the team’s success on local businesses.
When the Blue Jays advanced to the World Series, the celebratory atmosphere intensified. The first game of the World Series brought another wave of spending, with a 27% jump in transaction volume near the Rogers Centre and a 10% increase citywide.
Fans weren’t just showing up; they were embracing the experience. The average transaction size rose by 13% near the stadium, and 5% across the city, revealing a desire to fully savor the championship atmosphere with a little extra flair.
The momentum continued into Game 2, with restaurants near the Rogers Centre reporting a 20% increase in volume and a 12% rise in transaction size. Even with the initial fervor settling, the city continued to show its support, with a 2% volume increase and a 4% rise in average spending across Toronto.
These numbers paint a vivid picture: a city united by its team, and expressing that unity through shared meals and celebratory spending. The Blue Jays’ playoff run wasn’t just a sporting event; it was a powerful economic engine for Toronto’s restaurant industry.
