It is appropriate, on the weekend of the Superbowl, to discuss business in relation to that great annual sporting event, watched by millions. New Orleans, whose team–the Saints–is attending the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history, has apparently experienced a big surge in consumer spending. In a town where good news has been needed ever since Hurricane Katrina blew through, this is nothing compared to the Saints making the Superbowl–but it sure doesn’t hurt.

There’s actually research suggesting that sporting success is good for the local economy. A winning team can grow a region’s per capita income by as much as $100 per year, researchers Michael Davis and Christian End found in a 2008 study published in Economic Inquiry.

As fans become more confident about their team’s success, they not only spend more but become more productive at work, the study reports. That drives a noticeable boost in the local economy. While a Super Bowl appearance is important, Davis says steadily mounting success is the real key.

So it appears a Superbowl appearance isn’t quite as big of a deal as a team that performs well from year to year. I’m sure New Orleans residents will be happy to root for the Saints to do well next year too–you know, for the economy’s sake!