Delaware Tourism Office Announces Awardees for Sports Tourism Funding
Delaware is known as the first state for a reason, and now, it’s making a name for itself in the world of sports tourism. The Delaware Tourism Office recently announced the awardees for this year’s sports tourism funding, and the recipients are sure to continue drawing people to the state.
The Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, established through the Fiscal Year 2024 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, provides financial support to sports facilities that host events throughout the year to attract out-of-state visitors and boost the local economy. This year, four applicants were selected to receive funding, including DE Turf and Midway Motion and Fitness.
With a total of $11.3 million available in funds, the office received 18 applications requesting over $54 million. The selected facilities will use the funding to make improvements and expansions that will enhance their ability to host regional and national tournaments.
Midway Motion & Fitness will use their $2 million grant to construct a pickleball complex in Rehoboth Beach, meeting the requirements for sanctioning tournaments by the American Pickleball Association. DE Turf, on the other hand, received $3 million to make improvements to their complex in Frederica, including tripling stadium seating and adding new amenities to host larger tournaments.
STATS Tournaments and Indoor Track Delaware also received funding to enhance their facilities and accommodate the increasing demand for sports events in the state. These investments will not only benefit the facilities themselves but also contribute to the overall economic impact of sports tourism in Delaware.
Bill Strickland, chair of the DE Turf board of directors, expressed his excitement about the funding, stating that it will allow the organization to increase the number and variety of events held at the facility, ultimately boosting the economic impact on the state.
Looking ahead, the Governor’s recommended FY25 Bond and Capital Improvements Act includes additional funding for the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund. If approved by the legislature, the Delaware Tourism Office plans to begin accepting applications for the next round of funding in the coming months.
Overall, the future looks bright for sports tourism in Delaware, with these investments set to attract even more visitors and revenue to the first state. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of sports tourism in Delaware!