Sports tourism an economic boon in Delaware

Terry RogersBusiness, Headlines, Milford Headline Story

A recent study found that sports tourism in Delaware contributed significantly to the state economy in 2023. According to the survey, sport tourism accounted for $258 million in the First State. The survey was conducted by Tourism Economics, a leading research organization. “This study proves something that we already knew that sport tourism is a major factor in our state …

Kirkwood Sports Complex, pictured above, is one of 17 organizations who submitted applications in this second round of allocations for Delaware's sports tourism fund.

17 sports facilities battle for a small share of $47.1M in state tourism funding

Jarek RutzGovernment, Headlines

Seventeen organizations throughout the First State are asking for a combined $47,138,560 for construction, upgrades, and additions to their sports complexes to generate more income and attract more athletes and patrons.  The requests range from as little as $319,680 from the Sandhill Fields in Georgetown to as much as $10 million from Dover’s First State Aquatic Center.  It’s sure to …

The next round of allocations for the state's sports tourism investment fund will likely be by the end of 2024. (Photo of Abessinio Stadium from Salesianum School website.)

Sports Tourism Fund to explore 18 applicants, $47.3 million in facility requests

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

Eighteen sports facilities in the First State have submitted applications totaling $47.3 million in requests for upgrades as part of the second round of allocations of the Delaware Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund. The applicants include University of Delaware (Rullo Stadium), Abessinio Stadium, Dover Motor Speedway, Dave Marshall/Tennis & Pickleball, and Hudson Fields. The fund was created in 2023 as …

A grant fund created in 2023 allows the state to financially award organizations to attract more sports tourism. (Photo from Indoor Track Delaware)

State moves to bolster sports tourism with $11.3 million in grants

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

An indoor track, a Frederica sports site, a pickleball complex and a tournament site have been  awarded $11.3 million from a state fund devoted to boosting sports tourism. Established last year, the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund’s allocations are announced by the Delaware Tourism Office, providing grants in support of sports facilities like arenas, courts, fields, aquatics facilities, track and …