Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro refused to directly answer whether he would approve or reject public funding for the state’s NFL teams.
The Associated Press reports Shapiro – who was cited as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in last year’s election – faces the potential of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers seeking new stadiums when their respective leases expire in the next decade. Shapiro declined to specifically rule out using public funds to help the football teams build potential new stadiums.
“I’m very worried about the overall budget,” Shapiro said Sunday before the NASCAR Cup Series at Pocono Raceway. “I’m very worried about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. You want to balance investing in tourism, investing in sports, investing in great arenas and facilities, with making sure that you’re also investing those dollars in things that Pennsylvanians need most. I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play. That are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue. We’re going to continue to dialogue with them about what they need and what’s possible.”
NASCAR expressed interest in potentially hosting a race at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field, but Shapiro did not commit to having auto racing at the venue that hosts the Penn Relays and college football.
“There’s some conversations,” Shapiro continued. “First and foremost, we don’t want to do anything that undermines Pocono. The more NASCAR the better. The more racing, the better. The more we can turn people on in communities that haven’t been to Pocono yet, to get excited about racing, and then make that trip to Pocono next year, the better. I want to see more NASCAR, more racing. I also just want to see more sports in general.”
Photo courtesy of Gov. Shapiro’s office
