Visit Seattle Releases Projections for MLB All-Star Week; Estimates $50+ Million in Economic Impact

Summer’s biggest game expected to significantly boost sports tourism – cementing Seattle’s role as a global sports destination

SEATTLE – Baseball’s brightest stars and sports fans from around the world will soon descend on Seattle for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard and a week of accompanying events. In anticipation of the July festivities, destination marketing organization Visit Seattle is releasing its projections for economic impact.

Visit Seattle is forecasting $50+ million in economic impact generated by the All-Star Week events, dependent on ticket sales and out of town visitors, among other factors. The organization is anticipating sold-out crowds of over 47,000 fans at T-Mobile Park for both the Home Run Derby (July 10) and the All-Star Game (July 11). Over 100,000+ fans are expected at other events during the week, including Capital One PLAYBALL PARK at Lumen Field.

“This is an awesome opportunity for our city to show off Seattle’s capabilities, beauty and energy,” said Kelly Saling, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for Visit Seattle. “Seattleites can take pride in knowing the impact of hosting the All-Star festivities will expand well beyond the week – with lasting benefits expected for our local economy and the hospitality industry.”

This is Seattle’s third time hosting the MLB All-Star Game (also known as the Midsummer Classic). Seattle and the Mariners franchise previously hosted in 2001 at T-Mobile Park (then known as Safeco Field) and 1979 at the Kingdome. Visit Seattle partnered with the Mariners on the bid process for 2023, which began in 2019.

“From the beginning of the bid process, this has been a truly collaborative process between the Mariners organization, the Seattle Sports Commission, Visit Seattle, and our collective officials and agencies at the city, county and state level,” said Beth Knox, Seattle Sports Commission President and CEO. “After this event, our region will host youth and amateur sports events before ringing in the new year with the NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park on January 1, 2024. In 2025 we will host NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball and then the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Hosting these events in Seattle would never be possible without the consistent collaboration and passion from our partners and community.”

As MLB All-Star Week nears, Visit Seattle is partnering with regional hotel partners to plan for the influx of visitors. The organization is also focused on creating enriching experiences for fans to experience Seattle, to patronize businesses in and around the city, and to learn about Seattle’s diverse communities and neighborhoods.

“Seattle is a world class sports town and we are very excited to welcome residents and visitors from across the country for MLB All-Star Week,” said Markham McIntyre, City of Seattle Office of Economic Development Director. “Fans will flock to our downtown, waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods to dine, shop, and enjoy all the attractions and experiences that Seattle and our region have to offer. It’s going to be a major boost for our local economy and a showcase event for our City and region.”

“The long-term economic impact of these events in Seattle can’t be overstated – they are going to be significant drivers of job creation and will considerably bolster our hotel, restaurant, and retail communities,” said Saling.

A photo of T-Mobile Park is available here.

More About Visit Seattle’s Economic Impact Calculations:
Economic impact estimates from Visit Seattle are based off a number of factors including anticipated ticket sales, tax rates, people per hotel room, length of stay, where visitors are traveling from and more. Figures are inclusive of the All-Star Game and corresponding All-Star Week activities. Visit https://www.mlb.com/mariners/fans/all-star-week for a full calendar of events.

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.