National report ranks Pa. as top 4 state for sports tourism

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A new national report ranks Pennsylvania as a top four state for economic impact generated by sports tourism. 

Pennsylvania ranks fourth in two separate categories – participatory sporting events and spectator sports – according to the “2026 State of the Industry Report” released by Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry. Participatory sporting events include youth and amateur tournaments, races, etc., while spectator sports include attendees of professional, minor league, and collegiate sporting events. 

The commonwealth is hosting world-class events spanning sports, culture, and national celebrations including the NFL Draft, NCAA March Madness, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game. 

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger highlighted the major positive impact that sports tourism has on Pennsylvania’s economy.  

“This new report underscores just how crucial the sports and tourism industries are to Pennsylvania’s overall economy,” Siger said in a statement. “That’s why Governor Josh Shapiro has been laser-focused on making targeted investments to continue strengthening these industries and promote our Commonwealth on the national stage.” 

According to a release, Pennsylvania’s ranking across both segments highlights its balanced sports tourism, combining participatory sports and spectator sports. 

“Pennsylvania continues to be a strong and reliable destination for participatory sports tourism,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Its ability to attract diverse events and deliver consistent economic impact makes it a key player in the national sports tourism landscape.” 

Preliminary visitor data from 2025, gathered by Longwoods International for Visit PA, shows that 21% of overnight visitors to Pennsylvania included a sporting event as part of their trip, up from 15% the previous year. For day trip visitors, 14% included a sporting event in their itinerary, up from 13% the previous year. 

PA Sports, a team of the leading sports tourism organizations from across Pennsylvania and supported by DCED, works to attract and host international, national, regional, and local sporting events, and showcase Pennsylvania as a sports event destination for professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur, and youth sporting ventures. 

“Pennsylvania’s success in sports tourism is driven by a strong network of destinations, standout attractions, and quality facilities across the commonwealth,” said PA Sports Chair Danielle Vincenti. “Combined with our central and accessible location, it creates a compelling environment for hosting everything from youth and amateur events to major spectator experiences. 

“This achievement reflects the collaboration and alignment happening across Pennsylvania’s sports and tourism partners, supported by PA Sports’ efforts to bring destinations together and attract events that drive economic impact statewide,” added Vincenti. 

Upcoming events hosted by PA Sports members include the following: 

• IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship – June 14, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance 

• Disc Golf Junior World Championship – July 7-11, Experience Butler County 

• Federation of International Ninja Athletics World Championships, Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association World Series Finals/USA Ninja World Cup – July 11-16, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority 

• USGA US Junior Amateur Golf Championship – July 20-25, Discover Lehigh Valley 

• State Games of America – July 24 – Aug. 2, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance 

• Continental Youth Championships (largest youth Gaelic games tournament outside of Ireland) – July 30 – Aug. 2, Visit Chester County 

• USGA US Amateur Golf Championship – Aug. 10-16, Visit Delco & Valley Forge Sports 

• Firefighter Challenge U.S. National Championship – Sept. 23-26, Erie Sports Commission  

Over the last three years, Gov. Josh Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway” and increased funding for Visit PA. The Shapiro Administration secured $57.5 million in the last two budgets for the 2026 celebrations.