Research by a leading north-east business body has revealed the revitalised Dons in a new stadium could deliver a £20million annual boost to the region.
A report by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce examined the economic impact of the club on the area.
In it, Aberdeen FC vice-chairman George Yule said the club directly supported 291 jobs, and predicted hundreds of additional construction posts would be created by building the new stadium.
Mr Yule added: “This is a very exciting time to be at Aberdeen Football Club and our journey is gaining momentum each and every day as we look to contribute up to £20million a year to the regional economy and many more jobs too.”
Dons fans also spend big in the city – to the tune of an estimated £4,767million on match days during the 2013-14 season.
Add in the club’s own expenditure and the figure soars to £12.2million.
The club expects investment in the new stadium and training facilities will bring the total to a whopping £20million.
The report says: “If no club existed in the city it is likely that very little of the club’s expenditure would be replicated.
“It is also challenging to assess what fans may spend in the absence of a football club existing, it is highly unlikely their expenditure on travel, food and drink and alcohol would be replicated, it appears very unlikely that away fans would replace spend within the north-east.
“Our economic assessment excludes the intangible benefits of a successful football team.
The report also says that following the Dons’ Scottish League Cup triumph in 2014, there was a “feelgood factor” in the city.
It adds: “This enhancement of civic pride is hard to achieve but is important as we look to regenerate our city.
“It is reasonable to assume that many people’s quality of life also improves when the team performs well.
“The development of high quality sporting infrastructure will also go some way to changing perceptions of local residents and business leaders that our regional infrastructure is a barrier to growth and attracting talent.
“Once again, this type of intangible benefit should not be underestimated.”
