Phillies Phever could bring big bucks to Philly

While Philadelphians all over the city have added Phillies hats and T-shirts to their wardrobes, City Controller Jonathan Saidel is more concerned with their wallets. As a result of the Phillies' division-winning prowess, Saidel estimates at least $3.4 million will find its way into the city treasury. City Controller Director of Public Information Tony Radwanski said this estimated jump in revenue stems from a number of outlets – from the city's five percent earnings on amusement tax and 30 percent on concessions, to parking and Veterans Stadium fees. "We're estimating $3.4 million in direct revenues, assuming that [the Phillies] go to the World Series," Radwanski said. "The worst we could do at this point is $800,000 if we get wiped out in the playoffs." Radwanski and others speculate that indirect revenues from hotels, hospitality industries and increased SEPTA ridership would "work its way back to the city coffers." Radwanski said 1.2 million more fans attended games during the regular season and that has already resulted in over $3 million in increased city revenues. And the Philadelphia Sports Congress released estimates yesterday that the upcoming playoff games – mentioning, of course, the requisite "potential World Series contests" – could bring anywhere from $35-$40 million to the city's economy. The additional revenue, city spokesperson Larry Needle said, includes estimates for indirect economic revenue. Needle said the figures also account for an estimate of the turnover effect of dollars within the region. Both Radwanski and Needle consider retail sales of Phillies T-shirts and hats to be a considerable source of money for the city and its retailers. But at the Foot Locker athletic store the Shops At Penn, General Manager Darryl Cofield said Phillies "phanatics" don't seem to be buying all that much. "In the beginning of the season, we were doing really well, and sales picked up," Cofield said. "But even when they clinched, sales have only been OK – nothing spectacular." Cofield and security guard Carlos Bracey attribute this to the general "fair-weather" mentality of Phillies fans. "If they beat the [Atlanta] Braves, you bet that stuff's going to sell," Bracey said. "Sales will probably pick up then. But now, they haven't really proved anything." But people like 1993 Drexel University graduate Mike Elson think they have proven plenty. Elson, who positioned himself outside the Quadrangle last week to hawk Phillies paraphernalia, preyed upon new and old fans alike with the requisite $10. "Sales have been pretty good for me. People just jump on the bandwagon," Elson said. "But as long as they're buying, that's good for me." Bracey, however, was not as optimistic. "If they lose to the Braves, you can forget about the Phillies," he said.

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