By Adam Duxter
Feb 18, 2021 6:35 PM
MADISON, Wis. – Economists in Madison say UW Athletics’ goal to bring fans back for the fall 2021 football season could bring millions of dollars of revenue back to the city.
Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison Inc, said each home game can bring with it $16 million dollars of economic impact.
“Badger athletics is hugely important to Madison,” Ilstrup said. “Honestly, it’s important to our entire state…It’s thousands of jobs. Not just student jobs, but jobs throughout the entire community. In hotels, restaurants, the attractions that are in town.”
Ilstrup said while he understands the decision not to have fans in the stands in 2020, it likely cost downtown hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.