Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $5 Million to Support Sporting Events All Across Pennsylvania, Further Strengthening the Commonwealth’s Tourism Industry
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced a nearly $5 million investment in 15 sporting events across Pennsylvania through DCED’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program. These grants are helping attract more visitors to Pennsylvania and supporting major events like the 2026 Major League Baseball All Star Game and 2026 FIFA World Cup, both in Philadelphia, and the 2026 PGA Championship in Newtown Square. The grants also support other exciting and impactful events like the 2026 State Games of America in State College, the 2026 USCAA Small College Baseball and Softball World Series in Dubois, and 2026 Banana Ball World Tour, hosted by the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Allentown.
The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program was created to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. The program capitalizes on the influx of tourism that comes with hosting a major national or international event, which can increase sales for both large and small businesses in the surrounding area and in turn boost the regional economy.
“This year, Pennsylvania is hosting a wide variety of exciting sporting events all across the state — events that will bring millions of visitors, generate significant economic impact, and support jobs and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Siger. “We’re ready to welcome fans from around the globe and ensure their experience keeps them coming back again and again. From top-tier sports and major events to award-winning restaurants, world-class outdoor recreation, and the historic sites that tell America’s story, Pennsylvania offers visitors more ways to explore, spend, and stay longer. That’s what makes us the Great American Getaway, and we look forward to showcasing everything our Commonwealth has to offer.”
The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program grants were awarded to the following:
Allegheny County: $120,000 to Visit Pittsburgh for facility installations to support Pittsburgh’s bid as a host site for the Rugby World Cup 2031 and 2033.
Beaver County: $175,000 to M7 Sports Inc. for the M7 Sports Pittsburgh – Indoor Track Championships. This project will provide Beaver County with a state-of-the-art indoor track & field facility capable of hosting championships and events at all levels, expanding the M7 Sports Pittsburgh facility in Aliquippa.
Centre County: $130,000 to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for 2026 State Games of America. This is a national Olympic-style amateur multi-sport competition held July 24 through August 2, 2026, at Penn State University in State College.