As expected, many businesses in Miami and South Florida flourished in over Super Bowl weekend. However, as stores rejoiced the extra revenue, some shops complained at the lack of extra revenue the big game brought in.
Hotel ADRs (average daily rates) increased significantly, as did overall occupancy and RevPAR (revenue per available room). Many rooms all over South Florida were taken up by corporate-types and fans with deep pockets.
South Beach, the area’s most popular tourist area, turned into a virtual Bourbon Street as many streets were closed and revelers wandered around with beers in hand and Mardi Gras-style necklaces.
The shops, restaurants and other destinations on the beach also participated in the festivities. ESPN actually broadcasted on the beach and treated all spectators to a myriad of concerts all weekend.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe owner David Wallack said, “A whole lot of beads, a whole lot of ‘who dat?'” was going on. The popular Ocean Drive staple enjoyed a huge increase in sales, thank in part to their $11 mojitos served in souvenir cups.
Unfortunately, Lincoln Road – South Beach’s upscale retail area – did not seem to profit as much from the game. Many shops and restaurants said that their business remained the same, and some even reported that it went down.
Lisa Warren, who owns Frieze Ice Cream off Lincoln Road, stated her distaste for the weekend revelry. “It hurt us,” she said.