The sold-out soccer match between Liverpool Football Club and AS Roma on July 25 at Fenway Park [map] generated an estimated $9.4 million in economic spending — nearly seven times more than the typical Red Sox [team stats] home game, according to the Greater Boston Convention Visitors Bureau.
The “Football at Fenway” match drew 37,000 fans and an international media contingent to several days of training and community events.
“Fenway Park was a stunning backdrop for this unique match, and we were proud to showcase our ballpark and city to an international audience,” Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said in a statement. “The positive buzz and revenue generated by this event was tremendous.”
Pat Moscaritolo, CEO of the visitors bureau, called the game “found money” that helps hotels, restaurants and other businesses in and around Fenway.
Boston served as the home base for Liverpool — owned by Fenway Sports Group, parent company of the Red Sox — during the English club’s 12-day North America visit. The team trained at Harvard University for tour matches and the upcoming 2012-13 season.
The club also took park in several sponsor-related activities, including a surprise visit to New Balance’s headquarters in Brighton. The company’s Warrior Sports unit is Liverpool’s official kit supplier.