Sports tourism grant applications due Sept. 13

August 1, 2024 6

The Delaware Tourism Office has reopened the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund for applications.

Established through the FY24 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, the fund provides financial support to new or existing sports facilities that hold events throughout the year to attract out-of-state visitors, and contribute to the state and local economies.

“As a significant economic driver, sports tourism generates millions of dollars and brings thousands of visitors to our state each year,” said Gov. John Carney. “This fund provides the opportunity to support new and existing sports facilities to ensure that Delaware remains competitive in the sports tourism field for years to come.”

Delaware has been selected to host a variety of national sporting events, including the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Nationals, the MEAC Volleyball Championship, the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships and the state’s first PGA Tour event, the 2022 BMW Championship. The state has also hosted smaller-scale sporting events in lacrosse, football, soccer, softball, baseball and other sports.

“Sports tourism is a $128 billion global industry that is continuously growing, and Delaware faces stiff competition from neighboring states to attract and retain sporting events,” said Jeff Bullock, secretary of state. “We welcome the opportunity to reopen this investment fund and provide financial support to our state’s world-class sports facilities so that sporting event operators keep Delaware top of mind when looking for locations for their tournaments and other competitions.”

During the fund’s initial application period this year, from March 1 through April 12, the Delaware Tourism Office received 18 applications requesting more than $54 million. Available funds totaled $11.3 million and were distributed to four awardees, including DE Turf, Midway Motion & Fitness, Wilmington Sports LLC and STATS Tournaments. The FY25 Bond and Capital Improvements Act provided an additional $10 million for a second round of funding.

“The first round of applications for the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund was incredibly competitive and showcased the variety of facilities hosting a range of sporting events throughout the year,” said Jessica Welch, Delaware Tourism Office director. “We are thrilled to be able to reopen the program for new applications and continue supporting these facilities that contribute significantly to our state’s economic growth and help promote Delaware as a prime destination for out-of-state visitors.”

Applications for the investment fund will be accepted by the Delaware Tourism Office until 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13. All applicants must submit a completed original application, along with 10 printed copies and an electronic copy included on a thumb drive, to the Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway, Dover.

For more information, go to visitdelaware.com.