Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT)
Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT) supports organizations bringing amateur, professional, and e-sports events to Pennsylvania, funding event costs to boost tourism and economic impact.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: Rolling (quarterly review) | April 22, 2024, 9:00 AM EST (2024 opening) | June 30, 2024, 4:00 PM EST (2024 deadline)
Funding Amounts: Grants subject to available funds; 20% caps apply to certain facility improvements and land acquisition
Summary: Supports efforts to attract high-quality amateur, professional, and e-sports events to Pennsylvania to advance tourism and economic impact.
Key Information: Applicants must compete for an event through a Site Selection Organization located outside Pennsylvania.
Description
The Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), supports efforts to attract high-quality amateur, professional, and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. The program seeks to promote year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport. Funding comes from a restricted account within the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.
Applicants seek single-year or multiyear commitments to hold events at one or more Pennsylvania locations. Supported activities can include securing and conducting events, promotion, production, equipment, and qualifying venue or infrastructure improvements. Examples of covered events include major collegiate championships, professional all-star games, international competitions, Olympic activities, and golf championships. The guidelines provide detailed lists of events and Site Selection Organizations.
