CLEVELAND — Playoff runs by the Cleveland Guardians and other downtown Cleveland teams are bringing more fans and spending to businesses near Progressive Field and the Gateway District.

For the third straight year, Guardians fans have packed Progressive Field to cheer on the team in the MLB playoffs.

Curtis Danburg, the Guardians’ vice president of communications and community impact, said the postseason adds economic activity downtown.

“As you ramp up, so does the energy and excitement, and also the dollars being spent,” Danburg said.

The team said its last three postseason trips have generated an extra $3 million in admissions tax revenue for the city of Cleveland. 

“It’s a huge impact on the economy of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio,” Danburg said. “Any time we can get into the postseason, it generates an extra million dollars than a normal game.”

Downtown Cleveland Incorporated said businesses such as Mabel’s BBQ see spending jump 52% on playoff game days.

“When the street’s busy, we’re all busy,” said Emma Janosik, manager of Mabel’s BBQ. “I never feel like if someone is open, we’re getting business taken away. We all benefit from this. Everyone’s downtown and everyone’s excited. It’s great just to be a part of this community so close to the stadium.” 

The impact is not limited to baseball. Danburg said Cleveland has hosted 46 postseason games in the past three years between the Guardians, Cavaliers and Monsters in the Gateway Plaza area.

“That’s incredible,” said Danburg. “We don’t plan for that. That’s bonus money coming to the economy when you think about added games of that magnitude.” 

The Cavaliers’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season generated close to $10 million in admissions tax revenue for the city. The Monsters led the AHL in attendance while setting another attendance record. 

Danburg said the success of Cleveland’s teams helps hotels, restaurants, bars and other businesses across the Gateway District and Northeast Ohio.

“We recognize the role we play in our economy,” Danburg said. “When we’re doing well, that’s helping the economy as a whole. Whether it’s a big business or a small business right around the corner here in the Gateway District. It’s about lifting everybody up for the success of Northeast Ohio.”