PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 2, 2014…As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their first playoff game in three years, the city's economy stands to reap the benefits this weekend. Saturday's playoff game in Philadelphia will mean a boost of $10 million to the city, according to the City of Philadelphia's Department of Revenue and the Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).

The Department of Revenue estimates that the City of Philadelphia will receive $1.5 million in direct revenue through parking and concession income, and hotel, amusement and wage taxes alone. The $10 million economic impact is based primarily on direct spending by fans in attendance, including an estimated 2,500 out-of-town visitors and area residents, on hotel, food and retail purchases.

“The City of Philadelphia is eagerly anticipating Saturday's Eagles-Saints playoff game – excitement is in the air,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “This is about more than football: this game represents a major boost to our local economy on a typically quiet January weekend.  We hope residents and visitors will take the opportunity patronize local businesses before and after the game, and we wish the Eagles continued success during the NFL playoffs!”

The influx of visitors to Philadelphia for the playoff game comes on a weekend when hotels are already welcoming more than 12,000 visitors for the American Economic Association's annual meeting being held January 3-5.

"The Eagles being back in the playoffs is a real win for the city on many levels,” said Jack Ferguson, PHLCVB President & CEO. “Economically, it's a wonderful boost for area hotels and restaurants, and of course priceless national exposure for Philadelphia with Saturday's national broadcast. Go Eagles!"

Up to 500 members of the media are expected to attend and millions of fans will be watching Saturday's game which is being televised nationally on NBC.

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The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PHLSports), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. PHL Sports produces the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA for the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia will also host the game in 2015 and 2017.

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