As the Houston Astros kick off their 2025 season, the excitement surrounding Opening Day is not just for fans but also for local businesses.
The newly named Daikin Park is alive with anticipation as fans gear up for the season. KPRC 2′s Sofia Ojeda was live from the ballpark, highlighting how the Astros’ season gives Houston’s economy a major boost.
According to Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation, the start of the Astros’ season provides a significant boost to the city’s local economy.
“When visiting teams come, they bring fans. Those fans spend at our restaurants, they stay at our hotels, and they leave their money behind,” said Hackman from Houston First.
The organization reports that 54 million people visited Houston last year, and the Astros’ season serves as an important economic driver for the city.
The visibility provided by the Astros also plays a key role in attracting new business to the area.
“Having your team on national TV and seeing Houston across their chest is a great advertisement for our city,” said Hackman.
The games bring exposure to the region, and visitors often explore other parts of the city, potentially leading to new business opportunities.
For local businesses, particularly those near the ballpark, the start of the Astros season is crucial. One business owner at Flying Saucer shared that the season’s start, following events like the Rodeo cookoff, marks the beginning of a busy period that drives significant revenue.
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