Tonight's wild-card between the Pirates and the Cubs already has produced a winner -- the local economy.
The game is expected to generate $4.6 million to more than $5 million in direct spending in the region, according to VisitPittsburgh, the local tourism agency. The estimate includes spending on tickets, hotel rooms, concession stand and retail sales, and restaurants by visitors coming from outside of Allegheny County, based on information provided by the Pirates.
If the Pirates beat the Cubs tonight and move on to the next round against the Cardinals, each home game would generate another $4.