Forest Hills Stadium generated $42.5 million in economic activity during its 2024 season, according to a new independent study commissioned by the venue. The report, conducted by Perch Advisors, analyzed 34 concerts and four nonconcert events and found the stadium contributed $2 million in tax revenue, $6.5 million in direct wages, $6.8 million in local expenditures, and $24.6 million in visitor spending.
The study highlights the stadium’s role as both a cultural anchor and economic driver in Queens. It directly supports more than 1,100 jobs, with 47% of seasonal staff coming from Queens and 16% from Forest Hills. The stadium provided $6.5 million in wages during the 2024 season and conducts an annual job fair to attract employees, many of whom are students, artists, older workers, or seeking part-time employment.
“Forest Hills Stadium is a cultural and artistic heartbeat of New York City and indisputably one of the best music venues in the entire country. But arguably the stadium’s most important contribution is the immense economic activity it generates in Forest Hills and beyond, as this study makes clear,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “From hiring hundreds of Queens residents to attracting thousands of customers to Forest Hills’ shops, bars and restaurants, Forest Hills Stadium continues to deliver for The World’s Borough. I look forward to another successful concert season starting this spring.”
The report also found that 136 New York-based businesses benefit directly from the stadium’s operations. During the 2024 season, the venue spent $6,775,880 on local vendors and suppliers, including food and beverage providers, equipment rental companies, security and sanitation services, and professional services. Many of the concessions feature local restaurants such as Nick’s Bistro, 5 Burro, and Stacked Sandwich Shop. Nearly 79% of surrounding businesses surveyed said the stadium positively affects foot traffic, sales, and employment.
“We may not have a sustainable business in the future without the stadium. Overhead costs in this area are tremendous, we are one of the last small business restaurants left in the hood,” said a representative from Forest Hills Station House.
“I hire about 15 part-time employees during the course of the summer, all college/high school kids,” said Nick’s Bistro.
Local residents also make up the largest share of concert attendees. About 56% of ticket sales came from New York State, including 11% from Queens and 5.7% from Brooklyn. The stadium distributed $500,000 in complimentary community tickets in 2024 through giveaways and events such as National Night Out Against Crime.
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi said, “Forest Hills is all about community, and Forest Hills Stadium is a cornerstone of the neighborhood we have worked hard to preserve and nurture. The stadium is a catalyst for local economic activity, generating tens of millions of dollars and supporting more than a thousand jobs. By prioritizing local hiring and lifting up small businesses, Forest Hills Stadium helps keep our community vibrant and thriving. We are looking forward to another successful year!”
In addition to supporting jobs and local businesses, Forest Hills Stadium contributed an estimated $2 million in sales tax revenue from in-stadium concessions and merchandise, funds that support city and state public services.
“Forest Hills Stadium is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to produce world class shows in the heart of Queens which contribute to both our neighborhood’s cultural vibrancy and economic vitality. This report showcases how the Stadium is not just an economic stimulus to our City and State but also to our friends and neighbors who operate local businesses and restaurants as well as those who make up our over 1,100 person staff. These dollars support real people with real families in our shared community. We look forward to the 2026 season and beyond!” said Jason Brandt, Forest Hills Stadium general manager.
For more information about Forest Hills Stadium and the 2026 season lineup, visit ForestHillsStadium.com.
