Economic impact of ATL sports teams ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Today, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau brought together the city's professional sports teams to tout their economic impact on the area even during a recession.

The NBA playoffs begin this weekend and for the second year in a row, the Atlanta Hawks are in the post-season. The team's continued success could be one reason why the recession hasn't kept people from buying Hawks tickets. In fact, this year the Hawks posted their second best attendance numbers in the franchise's 60 year history. Tracy White is the Hawks' sales and marketing chief.

WHITE: "With the team playing as well as we have, the fans are still coming out and they're spending their money and we've also been very conscientious about offering value based propositions over the course of the year to them as well so that we keep our product affordable for everybody."

As for the Atlanta Braves, sales and marketing executive Derek Schiller wouldn't disclose attendance numbers. But in his words, ticket sales are not immune to the recession. But Schiller sees today's economy and an opportunity to lure southerners who might not have the money to fly for vacation.

SCHILLER: "It's a driveable distance for them and they come here and enjoy for a little bit less money than they would otherwise spend they can still have a good vacation for them and their family."

For example, Schiller says a family of four can buy tickets, hot dogs, drinks and parking for 60 dollars.
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