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• Mar 28, 2008 6:32 pm US/Eastern
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  Season Opener Means Big Business For Baltimore

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Season Opener Means Big Business For Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― The boys of summer are back.  Monday's season opener means big business for Baltimore.

Jessica Kartalija has a look at how Charm City is gearing up for the 2008 season.

Baseball means big bucks for area bars and restaurants.

"The growth of Baltimore, the hotels that are coming up helped us tremendously.  We're here because the O's are here," said Tom Leonard with Pickles Pub.

The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association says about 40,000 Orioles fans are expected to flock to Inner Harbor hotels and restaurants for Opening Day.  But the economic boost lasts all season.

"For us, it really signals the start of our tourism season.  Spring break starts us off, but once baseball season starts, we're in the middle of it.  It's significant, you'll see a lot of people down here," said Tom Noonan, president of BACVA.

"When people are at restaurants and hotels, it helps us tremendously.  It's a benefit to the city and surrounding area," said Mayor Sheila Dixon.

A packed house is about a $3 million economic impact.  If they draw good crowds, we are looking at upwards of $100 million this season.

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