COLUMBIA (AP) - A new study shows the University of Missouri's move to the Southeastern Conference increased the effects of MU athletics on the local economy.
The research was done by graduate students at the university's College of Business.
The study estimated the total economic effect from athletic events in the 2012-13 season was $188 million. That was up $41 million - or 27 percent - from the prior year's estimate, when the Tigers were still in the Big 12.
The study is based on a survey of about 1,200 people during athletic events and is used to estimate their average spending.
The researchers found that out-of-towners spend roughly $93 on average during football game days in Columbia.