Sports Marketing Grants Announced by Shapiro Administration

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The 2024 U.S. Women’s Open in Lancaster, the 2025 U.S. Men’s Open in Oakmont and the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia prove that Pennsylvania is a destination for world-class sporting events.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)Secretary Rick Sigerhas announced that the application period for grants through DCED’s Sports Marketing and Tourism (SMAT) program has opened and runs until June 30 at 4:00 PM EST.

“This is an exciting time for Pennsylvania as we prepare to host some incredibly exciting events in the coming years, including the 2026 World Championships, the 2024 USGA Women’s Open and the 2025 USGA Men’s Open,” Siger said in a statement . “SMAT helps bring major events like this to the Commonwealth, providing a huge boost to our economy. As the new registration period opens, we look forward to supporting even more major sporting events here in the coming years.”

SMAT has helped bring nationally known sporting events to Pennsylvania and is working to attract more major sporting events to the Commonwealth to boost tourism and economic growth. According to a release, “tThe aim of the investment in the program is to take advantage of the influx of tourism that comes with organizing a major national or international event, which can increase sales to both large and small businesses in the area and in turn regional economy can be stimulated. and improve the quality of life of residents.”

Applicants eligible for the program include a municipality, a local government, a non-profit organization or a legal entity that meets the following criteria:

• The applicant is participating or intends to participate in a competitive selection process.
• The site selection process is conducted by a site selection organization not located in Pennsylvania.
• The applicant seeks to secure a one-time or multi-year commitment from a venue selection organization to host high-quality amateur and professional sports or esports events at one or more venues in Pennsylvania.

DCED announced $5 million in grant funding last September. Recipients included the 2024 US Open in Lancaster, the United States Golf Association for the 2025 US Men’s Open in Oakmont and Philadelphia Soccer for the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia.