The big day is upon us, which also means, sadly, dear reader, my run of Super Bowl–week newsletters has expired with this morning’s edition. For my last go at this, I take a look at the debate about whether hosting the Super Bowl is truly worth it for Las Vegas. On one side are boosters who predict a record number of visitors spending, on average, some $5,000 each. On the other side are economists who say Super Bowl visitors are merely replacing people who would have been here if not for today’s game. It’s an old debate, but one that is more salient in a tourist-driven economy like the one that powers Las Vegas. To those who followed my journey this week: It’s been a pleasure. Enjoy the game.
—Dan Kaplan
