No college football would mean a $70 million hit to the Blacksburg economy [View all]
No college football would mean a $70 million hit to the Blacksburg economy
By MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch 17 hrs ago
No football this fall could cost the Blacksburg area more than $70 million, according to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. About $20 million of that comes directly from local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, shops, grocery stores and gasoline stations, which all see a boost on weekends when Virginia Tech plays home games at Lane Stadium.
We lie awake at night about this, said Sharon Scott, executive director for the chamber. But we also understand that whatever decision is made, its going to be made with the greater good in mind.
Scott said the chamber estimates conservatively the financial impact of a Virginia Tech football season on the region is between $69 and $71 million, a figure that includes everything from commerce to salaries to taxes to the estimated $41 million in revenue generated by the university from football.
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mbarber@timesdispatch.com
@RTD_MikeBarber