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Anticipating the honeymoon: Event study estimation of new stadium effects in Major League Baseball using the imputation method

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  • Stefan Szymanski

Abstract

This paper estimates the impact of new stadiums on attendance and revenues of Major League Baseball teams between 1970 and 2019. Recent studies reveal that two‐way fixed effects (TWFE) models may produce biased estimates, proposing an “imputation” method instead. This paper uses the imputation method to generate a counterfactual estimate, based on untreated observations: the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) equals the difference between actual and counterfactual estimates. The analysis shows that there were significant anticipation effects associated with new stadiums, up to three seasons before opening. It suggests previous estimates may significantly understate new stadium revenue gains.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Szymanski, 2023. "Anticipating the honeymoon: Event study estimation of new stadium effects in Major League Baseball using the imputation method," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 61(4), pages 1077-1102, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:61:y:2023:i:4:p:1077-1102
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13149
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan C. van Ours, 2024. "No Novelty Effect but a Honeymoon that Lasts On the Attendance Effects of New Football Stadiums," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 24-010/V, Tinbergen Institute.
    2. John Charles Bradbury & Dennis Coates & Brad R. Humphreys, 2024. "Public policy toward professional sports stadiums: A review," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(3), pages 899-937, June.
    3. John Charles Bradbury, 2024. "Revisiting the novelty effect from new stadiums: An event study approach," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 62(4), pages 1722-1747, October.

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