Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reiterated that the state will not provide funds for new sports arenas, a possibility that arises with the expiration of the Eagles’ contract in 2032. Shapiro, present on Sunday at Pocono Raceway, stated that he will continue to converse with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family in Pittsburgh about the needs of NFL teams regarding their stadiums. The Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers, opened in 2001, while Lincoln Financial Field opened its doors in 2003 in the shared sports complex of Philadelphia. The Eagles don’t own the Linc. The team will need to renew its lease or build a new stadium, and Lurie mentioned during the Super Bowl preview that he was “divided” about the idea of replacing the stadium or staying in the home where their two Super Bowl championships are displayed. If a new stadium is proposed, it will not have state funds, as Shapiro indicated he would not provide when the NBA’s 76ers considered building a new arena last year. The Sixers’ ownership did not request funds, and they decided to partner with Comcast Spectacor, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia.
Shapiro also added:I am very concerned about the overall budget. I am very concerned about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. He wants to balance investment in tourism, investment in sports, investment in large arenas and facilities, with the guarantee that he is also investing those dollars in the things that the people of Pennsylvania need most.
Josh Shapiro
NASCAR expressed a superficial interest in adding to its recent series of unusual race locations, from Mexico City to a temporary track inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and suggested the idea of holding a race inside a Philadelphia stadium, Franklin Field. The governor commented on the subject:I assure you that we want to make sure the Steelers, the Eagles, and all our professional teams have exceptional places to play. That they are welcoming to fans. That they generate revenue. We will continue to dialogue with them about what they need and what is possible.
Josh Shapiro
Among the events of 2026, Pennsylvania will host the Baseball All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, the World Cup at the Linc, and the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. The big year will begin with the NFL draft in Pittsburgh next April. Shapiro concluded:There are some conversations. First of all, we don’t want to do anything that undermines Pocono. The more NASCAR, the better. The more races, the better. The more we can get people excited in communities that haven’t been to Pocono yet, so they get excited about racing, and then make that trip to Pocono next year, the better. I want to see more NASCAR, more races. I also want to see more sports in general.
Josh Shapiro
I worked hard to bring that to Pittsburgh, along with the Steelers. I’m excited for them.
Josh Shapiro
