Have you ever experienced the thrill of attending a conference event held at a baseball game? Over the past few days, I had the privilege of joining economists from around the world at a regional conference in the vibrant city of San Diego, California. What made this conference particularly special was the opportunity we were given to attend a San Diego Padres vs. Anaheim Angels game at Petco Park, just a few blocks away from the conference headquarters. While I had been to several baseball games in my younger years, I had never imagined just how captivating it would be to experience a game with fellow economists. We found ourselves engrossed in discussions about sports economics, analyzing the strategies employed in the game, and delving into various other economics topics. The presence of my colleagues made it a unique and unforgettable experience.
San Diego, renowned as a top destination for tourism, holds the second position in the tourism industry. In 2022 alone, the city welcomed a staggering 28.8 million visitors who collectively spent over $13 billion (CBS8, 2023). Conferences already play a significant role in stimulating the local economy through the influx of business into hotels, restaurants, and shopping establishments. However, it is sports tourism that leaves a lasting impact. Take, for instance, visitors who come to San Diego specifically for a Padres game. They may not fully grasp the extent of their contribution to the city’s economy. To further enhance the sports tourism sector, San Diego aspires to establish an organization dedicated to this purpose. The executive director of the San Diego Bowl Game Association emphasized the importance of such an organization in the San Diego Union-Tribune, stating, “Most major cities have their own sports commissions, but San Diego is lacking in this area. In order for San Diego to be competitive against other markets, it is crucial to have an organization solely focused on sports tourism.”
As I sat on the Pacifico Porch of Petco Park, I realized that this experience was unlike any other. Witnessing the entire standing crowd joyfully singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch created a sense of unity and camaraderie. Engaging in conversations with locals about their deep passion for the Padres added to the authenticity of the experience. Observing families wholeheartedly cheering for their home team and witnessing the sheer excitement generated by a home run was truly remarkable. Each game has its own unique winning tradition, and in this case, the San Diego Padres mascot, the Swinging Friar came forth in the Pacifico Porch to ring the bell three times in celebration of the San Diego Padres’ victory. It was the electric atmosphere surrounding the game that elevated its level of excitement.
At the conclusion of the game, one of my colleagues turned to me and exclaimed, “You made this game so much more enjoyable and exhilarating!” It was his first time attending a baseball game, and my presence had evidently enhanced his experience. This encounter served as a reminder that no one ever knows when they might come across another sports fanatic. So, the next time you find yourself at a conference, consider inviting a colleague to join you at a baseball game. You might just end up making a new connection with someone who shares your enthusiasm for sports!
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