Will a win for either Chicago or Indianapolis in tonight's Super Bowl mean an economic boost for the winning city? Perhaps not as much of an impact as a winning season might have on a community.

So says Michael Davis, an assistant professor of economics and finance at UMR. Davis is one of the sports economics experts quoted in a recent news article about the economic impact of a Super Bowl victory. According to the news report, Davis believes that "general team success, as defined by regular-season wins, is just as important as a Super Bowl victory."

Davis, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Rolla, said the Bears' 13-3 record this season means a gain in per capita income of $142 for Chicagoans when compared against an 0-16 season.

Davis explains the rationale in more depth in this research paper (PDF) co-authored with former UMR faculty member and sports psychology expert Christian End. For his part, End believes winning teams breed economic returns because fans feel better about themselves -- and more competent -- after a victory. "If I believe I'm a winner and I go out on my sales call, that belief can lead to an increase in confidence and productivity." End said.