Shapiro: No state funds for NFL and NASCAR stadiums in Philadelphia

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.In addition, he mentioned conversations about the possibility of bringing NASCAR to Philadelphia.Shapiro, who made an appearance at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, stated that he will continue to dialogue with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family in Pittsburgh regarding the needs of NFL teams in terms of their stadiums.Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers, opened its doors in 2001, while Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, did so in 2003.The Eagles do not own the Linc and will need to renew their lease or build a new stadium. Lurie expressed during the Super Bowl that he was “divided” between the idea of replacing the stadium or staying in the place where the two Super Bowl championships are displayed.In the event a new stadium is proposed, it will not have state funds, as Shapiro stated he would not provide when the NBA’s 76ers considered building a new arena last year. The Sixers’ ownership did not request funds and decided to partner with Comcast Spectacor, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia.

I am very concerned about the overall budget. I am very concerned about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. We want to balance investment in tourism, in sports, in large arenas and facilities, with the guarantee that those dollars are also invested in things that the people of Pennsylvania need most.

Josh Shapiro

Shapiro also added:

We want to make sure the Steelers, the Eagles, and all our professional teams have great places to play, that are welcoming to fans, and that generate revenue. We’re going to continue to dialogue with them about what they need and what’s possible.

Josh Shapiro

NASCAR has shown interest in adding new race venues, from Mexico City to a temporary track inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and has considered the possibility of holding a race in a Philadelphia stadium, Franklin Field, traditional home of the Penn Relays and college football.Shapiro commented:

There are some conversations. First of all, we don’t want to do anything that hurts Pocono… The more NASCAR, the better. The more races, the better. The more we can attract people 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

In 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.

I worked hard to bring that to Pittsburgh, along with the Steelers. I’m excited for them.

Josh Shapiro