Lehigh Valley receiving jobs, tourism investment from Shapiro Administration – LVB

Lehigh, Monroe, and Montgomery counties are among those receiving investments through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Shapiro Administration’s investment of $5 million investment in 11 major sporting events across Pennsylvania.

“Governor Shapiro understands that these major sporting events are powerful economic drivers for the travel and tourism industry and investing in them creates opportunities for businesses and workers across the commonwealth,” Siger said in a statement. “With 72 million people within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania, our investments in top tier sporting events in the coming years will generate a significant boost for our regional and statewide economies.”

In Lehigh County, $25,000 is being invested in the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in support of the 2025 three-night appearance by the Savannah Bananas in Lehigh County. The event will support 250 jobs and add an estimated $255,150 into the Lehigh Valley economy.

In addition, $80,000 is going to the BDH Development/PPL Center in support of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Regionals in Lehigh County. The regional tournament will create or support 200 jobs and pump an estimated $2,916,384 into the local and statewide economy.

In Monroe County, $250,000 is being given to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in support of the NASCAR Cup Series in Monroe County. The July 2024 racing series supported 2,752 full and part-time jobs and brought an estimated $100 million into the regional and statewide economy.

In Montgomery County, $30,000 is going to the Narberth Ambulance Volunteer Medical Service Corps to sponsor the 2024 US Cycling Ardmore Rock-n-Ride Bicycle Race and Music Festival. The August 2024 event supported 200 jobs and brought an estimated $120,000 in revenue to Montgomery County and the surrounding area.

The 2025 Men’s U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Allegheny County, the 2025 Little League World Series and Major League Baseball Draft Game in Lycoming County, and the 2026 Major League Baseball All Star Game in Philadelphia are among the major sporting events expected to bring an estimated $240.2 million into the Pennsylvania’s economy.

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program was created to attract amateur and professional sporting and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. According to a release, the program seeks to capitalize on the influx of tourism that comes with hosting a major national or international event, which can increase sales for both large and small businesses in the surrounding area and in turn boost the regional economy.

“Over the next couple of years, our commonwealth is going to host some of the biggest and best sporting events in the world – and folks will see why Pennsylvania has the greatest fans, franchises, and sports,” said Shapiro. “The commonwealth is ready to do our part to ensure the millions who visit Pennsylvania have a great time – and come back many more times in the future.

“Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all – from top tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history. Pennsylvania is truly the Great American Getaway and I look forward to sharing all our commonwealth has to offer with people from around the world,” added Shapiro.