World Baseball Classic to generate multimillion-dollar economic impact in San Juan & PR.

Attendance for the Group A pool play round of the World Baseball Classic is estimated at some 145,000 spectators during five days of competition, which will include a total of 10 games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey. The stadium has a capacity of 19,125 fans per game.

By THE STAR STAFF

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo presented details Wednesday on the projected economic impact of the 2026 World Baseball Classic Group A opening round, an event to be held from Friday to next Wednesday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey.

The analysis, commissioned by the municipality and prepared by Advantage Business Consulting, projects a total economic impact of $43.8 million and an estimated fiscal impact of $5.3 million at the state level and $345,000 at the municipal level. “The World Baseball Classic represents much more than a high-level sporting event,” Romero Lugo said. “We are talking about a significant economic boost that will directly impact our small and medium-sized businesses, our tourism industry, and our hardworking people. San Juan is ready to welcome the world and transform this international stage into real economic development, demonstrating that we have the capacity, infrastructure, and leadership to host world-class events.”

The event anticipates an estimated attendance of some 145,000 spectators during five days of competition, which will include a total of 10 games at Bithorn. The stadium has a capacity of 19,125 fans per game, according to the technical analysis included in the report, which supports the projection of a significant economic impact for San Juan and Puerto Rico.

The study also projects the creation of 454 jobs related to the demand for services during the event, defined as one person working full-time for a year to meet the increased demand. Likewise, an increase in tourism and commercial activity is anticipated in sectors such as gastronomy, transportation and entertainment.

“The impact of the World Baseball Classic goes beyond sports,” said Joel Pizá Batiz, director of economic development and tourism for San Juan. “This event positions San Juan within the international sports tourism circuit and strengthens strategic sectors of our economy. We will continue to monitor the tournament’s development and the economic activity it generates, reaffirming our commitment to initiatives that promote the sustainable growth of the capital city.”

The tournament is part of a broader strategy aimed at activating iconic spaces and strengthening the nightlife economy in the island capital. That effort also solidifies Hiram Bithorn Stadium as a key venue for global events that continue to attract visitors year-round.

“With the opening of Hiram Bithorn Stadium, we are beginning a new chapter for San Juan,” Romero Lugo said. “The World Baseball Classic is a platform that reaffirms our organizational capacity and our positioning as an international sports destination. We will continue to promote initiatives that connect entertainment, tourism, and economic development to create real opportunities for our people.”