Little League World Series brings crowds, money to region’s businesses — but locals shouldn’t shy away
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The Little League World Series infuses anywhere between $35 million to $40 million in the economy of Greater Williamsport.
Between hospitality and hotels, restaurants and other businesses, the annual two-week series and its 20 visiting teams pumps up the local economy.
One common misconception, however, is that restaurants are so booked with the guests that locals should avoid them. A post on Facebook from Southside Restaurant, Pizzeria & Tavern, 324 W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, revealed how the situation is quite the opposite.
A common mistake is to think that tourists overwhelm the establishment and others like it.
Instead, many visitors to the games are eating food at the complex.
For locals who tell businesses that they will return in two weeks, that is a bust to their business income through Aug. 27, championship day.
It means seating is available at local restaurants.
Last year, the series is projected to have spun off $35 million in local economic benefits.
Jason Fink, president of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is working with Little League Baseball and Pennsylvania College of Technology to conduct a more timely economic study, as the last thorough examination occurred before the pandemic and when there were only 16 teams to play in the Series.
He said in terms of travel the economic impact of the Series has rebounded.
"It should be another strong Little League World Series season," Fink said.
In addition to the effect on restaurants and hotels, the Series coincides with back-to-school shopping and helps other retailers. Fink said retailers have shared anecdotes about out-of-state visitors buying back-to-school clothes while here, since Pennsylvania, unlike many states, exempts clothing from sales taxes.
"They see a number of families come in," he said.
Williamsport businesses are expected to benefit as the MLB Little League Classic is played Sunday at Muncy Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field.
The pre-game activities include visits of Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies players with the Little Leaguers.
The economy is supercharged by Williamsport Welcomes the World 5 to 9 p.m. next Friday, Aug. 25, downtown as Williamsport hosts a family-friendly street festival and scores of local food trucks as well as Williamsport Area Business merchants open their doors.
Wegmans gets thousands of guests who shop, order for catering and stop into the market cafe at the store downtown.
"Baseball and the Little League World series are so important to this community, and to youth around the country," said Nick Leeuwen, Wegmans Williamsport store manager. "For over 75 years, the series has been bringing visitors from near and far to our corner of the world, and we're so grateful that many of them make Wegmans a destination during their visit."
"A great year, downtown businesses are prospering," said Tony Ecker, of The Brickyard Restaurant and Ale House and Stonehouse Woodfired Pizzeria on the Pine Street Plaza.
"The Little League World Series is a grand slam for our local economy, generating approximately $40 million dollars in tourism revenue for our region," said state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, who represents the 83rd District, which includes parts of Lycoming and Union counties.
"Just as importantly, the Little League World Series provides the Greater Williamsport area an opportunity to showcase our community -- our people, culture and natural resources -- and I've found it leads to building lasting relationships and friendships with participants and visitors," Flick said.
"I'm thrilled the district is host to hundreds of thousands of people from around the world, and honored to again donate my time as a volunteer 'Team Uncle' for the players and coaches from New Albany, Ohio, Flick said.
Mike Maneval, Sun-Gazette managing editor, contributed to this story.