Eagles Super Bowl win spurs economic boom, sets stage for 2026 World Cup impact
Writer: Mariana Hernández
February 2025 — The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles weren’t the only ones celebrating last Friday: the economic impact from the NFL’s premier event and follow-up celebrations rippled across businesses, from retail to hospitality.
Bars, restaurants and shops anticipated a boost in revenue due to celebrations following the Eagles dominant win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22.
On Super Bowl Sunday, over 353,900 people visited Center City — Philadelphia’s central business district, a 44% increase from their 2018 Super Bowl appearance, according to WHYY.
The victory parade, which took place on Friday following the game, saw more than 1 million people attend, with the festivities extending from Broad Street to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“We thank you for showing us and the world in real time, what grit and resilience and teamwork really looks like. The perfect visual for me and Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker in a speech at the Super Bowl Parade Friday.
The Philadelphia Eagles are projected to generate $1.2 billion in revenue this season, according to a study by Xavier University, as cited by PHL17.
The last time the Philadelphia Eagles took home the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2018, hotels saw occupancy rates rise to 92% the night before the parade and 90% the following day. According to The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, hospitality revenue reached $3.3 million on the day of the parade.
The last Eagles Super Bowl parade cost $2.27 million, with the city paying $1.5 million and the franchise and state of Pennsylvania chipping in.
CBS Philadelphia reported retailers saw record-breaking sales the last time the team hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. “Last time the parade happened it was our busiest day in our history of the store,” Tony Kosmatos, owner of John’s Place, told the media outlet.
Beyond the immediate financial boost, the Eagles’s victory enhances the city’s visibility on a national and international level. Successful sports events and franchises often attract the attention of investors and sponsorship opportunities, which at the same time drive tourism to their cities.
Philadelphia will host six matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, including a pivotal Round of 16 match on the fourth of July — which will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence.
Top image: screengrab via @Eagles/X
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