Taylor Swift fans provide boost for Pittsburgh businesses

Taylor Swift fans filled Acrisure Stadium in record numbers last weekend. They also fattened the wallets of local businesses.At Burgatory and Shorty's on the North Shore, the Swifties outspent Steelers fans on a playoff day."We probably generated 20% or 25% more in revenue" compared to a Steelers game, said Vic Bovalino, president of the company that owns Burgatory and Shorty's.At Mike's Beer Bar, there were record-breaking food sales."It was a very, very busy weekend. We hit a record on selling food in particular," said owner Mike Sukitch.Add to that sold-out hotels and feverish merchandise sales and it appears to be a Taylor-made windfall for local businesses.Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPittsburgh, said the record stadium attendance should mean a huge economic impact."We certainly feel that, based on what we've seen from a total attendance over the two days, that we're going to see this large economic record set as well. This is going to prove to be one of the largest events Pittsburgh's ever hosted," Bachar said.He said those big numbers could mean more big events on the North Shore."It's a reputation builder for a city like Pittsburgh when you host mega-events like this, because that opens up the mind in the eyes of other event organizers of what the potential is for this market," he said.VisitPittsburgh expects to have hard economic numbers on the impact of the Swift concerts in the next few weeks.