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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the state will not provide funding for new sports stadiums, impacting teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. During a NASCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday (June 22), Shapiro emphasized the need to balance investments in tourism and sports with essential services for Pennsylvanians. He stated, "I'm very worried about the overall budget and the economic situation given the federal cuts," according to ESPN.
The Steelers' Acrisure Stadium, opened in 2001, and the Eagles' Lincoln Financial Field, opened in 2003, are both over 20 years old. The Eagles' lease is set to expire in 2032, prompting discussions about the future of their stadium. Shapiro expressed his commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvania's sports teams have excellent facilities but reiterated that state funds will not be allocated for new venues. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family, owners of the Steelers, about their stadium needs.
TribLIVE reported Shapiro's comments, highlighting his focus on creating welcoming, revenue-generating places for fans. Despite the lack of state funding, Shapiro remains open to dialogue with the teams about their requirements and possibilities.