Football fans are predicted to provide a £1.2 billion boost to the economy during the Women’s UEFA 2022 European Championships, a new report reveals. The Women’s EURO 2022 Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals the competition is set to be watched by 18.9 million fans across the UK, in pubs, restaurants, stadiums and more.
Hosts England kick off the first match of the tournament on Wednesday July 6 and will play across a jam-packed schedule. As 9.4 million shoppers are set to splash the cash across the tournament, total retail spending is forecast to hit £898.2 million. Spending on food and drink for the celebrations is forecast to make up £761.2 million of the total retail amount, as the impact of the cost-of-living crisis will mean many fans choose to watch from home.
During the group stage alone, football fans are set to spend £595.4 million across retail. This isn’t expected to stop, as the tournament progresses with large sums being spent across the quarter-finals (£183.4 million), semis (£104.1 million) and the big finale (£15.2 million).
In preparation for the big games, Brits are also expected to spend £70.3 million on sportswear, £32.1 million in souvenirs and £34.6 million in TV electrical goods.
Sue Smith, ambassador for VoucherCodes.co.uk comments on the boost this will bring: “As so many Brits prepare to enjoy the tournament, it’s a great boost for both women’s football and the economy to see that fans are expected to spend £1.2 billion across the duration of the championship.
“Understandably and in part due to the cost-of-living crisis, many will choose to host BBQs and parties from home as a more cost-effective way to celebrate during the tournament.”
However, despite the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact spending, hospitality venues will certainly not be quiet. The tournament will bring 7.3 million fans to local pubs, as Brits prepare to watch home nation’s England and Northern Ireland, while pumping £259.8 million into the UK economy. Forecasts estimate that Brits will consume £198.7 million in drinks alone, including 20.8 million pints as they watch their favourite teams.
Hospitality locations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland are most likely to cash in at the group stage, with potential sales peaking at £153.6 million.
Smith continued: “I’m thrilled the nation is ready to get behind Leah Williamson and the rest of the team. Support from fans means the world to the team and it’s what gets the players through.
“It’s no secret that rising costs are impacting people all over the country, so it’s quite a pleasant surprise to see VoucherCodes’ data. One thing’s for sure – football has a unique way of bringing people together and offering enjoyment after the past few tough years.”
Anita Naik, Saving’s Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk said: “While it’s encouraging to see such strong spending figures, this Euros is taking place in the midst of a cost of living crisis in the UK, at a time many of us are beginning to feel the real impact of rising costs.
“If, like millions, you’re opting to cheer your team on at home and want to stock up on reasonably priced food and drink, our advice is to check for the best supermarket and delivery service discounts. All of the codes on our site are all hand-tested to make sure you always get the deal you’re promised. It’s also worth visiting your local supermarket about an hour before closing time as this is when they’re most likely to reduce items!”
