Study: Touchdown Atlantic generated $10-million economic impact

This year’s edition of Touchdown Atlantic had an overall economic impact of $10 million, according to an independent study by Sport Tourism Canada.

The study said the overall impact included over $7.3 million in economic activity within Nova Scotia and over $6.8 million in Halifax.

A sellout gathering of 11,555 watched the Toronto Argonauts earn a 31-13 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Huskies Stadium on July 29.

1:48 Touchdown Atlantic kicks off in Halifax

Over 72.7 per cent of those in attendance were from Halifax or the Maritimes, compared to 63.3 per cent in 2022. That resulted in a smaller overall economic impact due to lower expenditures on travel, food and accommodations by out-of-town visitors.

However, 51.6 per cent of survey respondents who made the trip said they extended their stay to an average of 4.3 days.

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And 85.2 per cent of respondents supported a 10th CFL franchise in Halifax. An unspecified majority said they’d likely purchase season tickets and attend six-to-10 games annually.

Touchdown Atlantic also resulted in a donation of $10,600 in machinery and gym equipment to Saint Mary’s University.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2023.