Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT)
Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT) supports event organizers in attracting and hosting sporting and e-sports events in Pennsylvania to advance year-round tourism and regional economic development.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted each calendar quarter, subject to available funds)
Funding Amounts: Grants subject to available funds; facility improvement and land acquisition assistance generally capped at 20% of costs
Summary: Supports attracting high-quality amateur, professional, and e-sports events to Pennsylvania to advance year-round tourism and economic impact.
Key Information: Applicants must pursue a competitive selection process conducted by a site selection organization outside Pennsylvania.
Description
The Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), helps attract high-quality amateur, professional, and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. It supports applicants seeking single-year or multiyear commitments to hold events at one or more Pennsylvania locations, with the goal of promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport.
The program connects event attraction with tourism and regional economic development. Supported activities can include securing and conducting events, promotion and advertising, equipment purchases, public infrastructure or safety improvements, and on-site hospitality. The guidelines identify a broad range of qualifying sporting events and site selection organizations, including national and international championships, collegiate competitions, and Olympic activities.
