Delaware Tourism Office Unveils Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund

The Delaware Tourism Office has revealed details of its Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, which provides support to new or existing sports facilities to bring in out-of-state visitors to sporting events.

The fund is established through the state government’s Bond and Capital Improvements Act. To be eligible, it must be a facility within the state of Delaware and specifically a high school, collegiate, or recreational venue that generates positive incremental state tax benefits to the state, is used for public purposes and regularly hosts sports tourism events.

“Each year, thousands of people visit Delaware to participate in, or attend, sporting events,” said Delaware Tourism Office Director Jessica Welch. “The Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund allows our state the opportunity to attract more visitors and continue shining a light on all the great reasons to visit Delaware.”

A facility must promote the Office to visitors attending sporting events at their sports facility. Delaware has recently hosted the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Nationals, MEAC Volleyball Championship, U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships, and the 2022 PGA Tour BMW Championship, which drew nearly 130,000 attendees.

“Sports tourism is a growing industry in our state and the surrounding region, with millions of dollars spent each year by event participants, their families and other attendees,” said Governor John Carney. “This fund will help keep Delaware’s sports tourism industry competitive by ensuring visitors can play at first-class facilities and enjoy the many benefits that our state has to offer while staying here.”

Applications for the fund will be accepted until 4 p.m. EST on April 12. 

“These national events showcase our state’s ability to host large-scale sports competitions and put Delaware in front of event planners and facility developers from around the country,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “As the $90 billion global sports tourism industry grows, this new fund provides us the opportunity to continue investing in our state’s sports venues to ensure Delaware remains top of mind for national and regional event decision makers for years to come.”