WCPO: Delay to MLB season could hurt seasonal workers, businesses
UC economics professor says areas outside of downtown might be affected, too
As Great American Ball Park hosted a hiring fair for seasonal workers on Wednesday, Major League Baseball and its Players Association remained at a labor impasse.
With MLB players currently locked out by the owners and Opening Day scheduled for March 31, time is running out for the season to start on time. According to UC Economics Professor-Educator Erwin Erhardt, III, PhD, a delayed beginning to the baseball season could have wide-ranging economic ramifications, affecting season workers and businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area.
UC Economics Professor-Educator Erwin Erhardt, III, PhD.
“I think we’re looking at roughly $350,000 to $500,000 on some weekends, depending on who’s playing — the Braves, the Cubs, St. Louis Card[inals] always bring their fans in with them,” Erhardt told WCPO. “So, it’s a huge draw. That means a lot in terms of income for the city.”
Erhardt said the bulk of the dollars spent goes to hotels and restaurants in downtown Cincinnati, but he also noted the money spills out of the downtown area, with fans traveling to sites such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Kings Island.
The doubt surrounding the start of the MLB season is a headache for business owners, too.
“You don't know how to plan,” Erhardt said. “You don't know how many people to have on staff, and albeit staff is sometimes difficult to get these days, but you don't know what's going to be coming at you. How many people still come, for example, down to The Banks.”
Featured image: UC Economics Professor-Educator Erwin Erhardt, III. Screenshot courtesy of WCPO video.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
WVXU: Supreme Court temporarily blocks key air pollution...
July 1, 2024
University of Cincinnati law professor spoke with WVXU about recent Supreme Court decision to temporarily block key air pollution regulations.
Bridging creativity and commerce
July 1, 2024
At the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Victoria Mrofchak stands out not just for her academic excellence but for her remarkable blend of creativity and business acumen. A fourth-year marketing major with a minor in management and fine arts, scholarships help Mrofchak shape her future at the intersection of art and commerce.
Put down that beer; it's not a tanning lotion
July 1, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss what's fact and what's myth when it comes to sunscreen use, different kinds of sunscreen and a social media recommendation to use beer on your skin to help get a tan.