Governor Josh Shapiro Discusses Future of Sports Venues in Pennsylvania
LONG POND, Pa. — During an appearance at Pocono Raceway, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the future of sports arenas in the state amid the approaching 2032 lease expiration for the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. While he affirmed ongoing discussions with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family in Pittsburgh, Shapiro refrained from confirming possible state funding for new venues.
The Penguins of Pittsburgh and the Eagles both operate in facilities that are more than 20 years old, raising questions about whether they will renew their leases or pursue new construction. Shapiro emphasized that any proposed funding for new stadiums would need to be carefully considered, reflecting the state’s overall budgeting challenges. He noted that economic conditions necessitate balancing investments in tourism and sports with core community needs.
Shapiro touted the economic impact of sports events, particularly highlighting the sellout success of NASCAR’s Pocono weekend. The raceway sold out all seating and camping areas, demonstrating the significant fan engagement in the region.
In addition to discussing existing teams, Shapiro mentioned exploratory conversations about hosting a NASCAR event in Philadelphia, potentially at Franklin Field. However, he stressed a commitment to not undermine the Pocono events by expanding racing to urban venues.
Looking ahead, Pennsylvania is set for an exciting year in 2026, with the baseball All-Star Game, the World Cup, and the PGA Championship on the calendar. Shapiro expressed his enthusiasm for bringing major sports events to the state, stating, “I worked my ass off to bring that to Pittsburgh, together with the Steelers. I’m excited for them.”
As Shapiro continues to champion the state’s sports landscape, fans are left anticipating how these developments may unfold in the coming years.
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