PHILADELPHIA CASHES IN ON EAGLES PLAYOFF GAME

PHILADELPHIA...January 5, 2007...As the Philadelphia Eagles enter the playoffs this Sunday, the city's economy will also feel the winning effects. Sunday's playoff game in Philadelphia will mean a boost of approximately $10 million to the city, according to the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce and the Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Stephanie Naidoff, Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, said, "Once again, Philadelphia is the "IT" city! What a year! What a team! The Eagles have proven that we really are a can-do place. They've shown that - just as we did with Live 8, the Olympics bid, the Rocky statue, and retaining The Gross Clinic - nothing is too big a stretch for us. And what a wonderful sound to hear all those cash registers ringing as residents and visitors alike come to enjoy the playoffs right here in Philly. The positive impact on our economy is the icing on the cake. GO EAGLES!"

The estimated figure includes regional spending - such as local fans gathering at restaurants to watch the game; visitor spending through hotels, dining, and touring attractions; direct city revenues; and taxes in addition to parking and concession income. The Department of Commerce estimates that the City of Philadelphia will receive $545,000 in direct revenue through parking and concession income, and hotel, amusement, and wage taxes alone. "The $10 million impact number really focuses more on new monies into the region - the reality is that spending within the local economy related to the Eagles is significantly higher," said Larry Needle, Executive Director, Philadelphia Sports Congress. "While other major events we've hosted at Lincoln Financial Field like the Army/Navy Game and NCAA Lacrosse Championships may generate more visitors, the economic impact of an Eagles playoff appearance is also very impressive. We all thank the Eagles for this wonderful New Year's present."

Of the more than 69,000 home game attendees, approximately 2,500 visitors and visiting team fans are expected from outside the market to Sunday's game, including nearly 700 members of the national media who will cover the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Plus, the extended television coverage of the teams playing in Philadelphia means an increase in exposure to a national audience.