The Office of the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania
04/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2026 07:51
ICYMI: Gov. Shapiro Launches “Visit PA Playmakers,” Announces Marquis Grants | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA - Earlier this week, Governor Josh Shapiro launched the Visit PA Playmakers, Pennsylvania's official 2026 welcome committee that's ready to meet visitors from around the world at some of the Commonwealth's biggest moments this year, highlighting the people, places, and passions that make the Commonwealth shine.
By leveraging global sporting and cultural moments, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game, this people-powered initiative by Visit PA will turn major events into immersive experiences to drive interest in Pennsylvania, encourage visitors to come back for future trips, and spur statewide economic impact.
These events will be huge tourism and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth, as millions of people will visit Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the "Great American Getaway" and increased funding for Visit PA to nearly $60 million.
Governor Shapiro also worked across the aisle to secure $50 million in his 2025-26 budget to support these world-class events, establishing the Marketing to Attract Marquis Events (MTAME) program. The program offers grants that can support operations, security, event infrastructure, shuttle and transportation systems, community engagement, programming, marketing, talent, and other essential costs related to executing these events.
In the initial round of MTAME funding, $39,920,200 is being awarded to the following:
- $12,380,900 to support the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia
- $10,000,000 to support the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
- $10,000,000 to support the City Philadelphia Security
- $3,500,000 to support the MLB All-Star Series in Philadelphia
- $900,000 to support the PGA Championship in Bucks County
- $675,000 to support the Commonwealth Concert Series
- $639,300 to support the 9/11 Trail Extension in Somerset County
- $500,000 to support the Dennis Farm Museum in Susquehanna County
- $400,000 to support the TED Democracy Global Event in Philadelphia
- $330,000 to support Mural Arts Philadelphia
- $250,000 to support the Young People's National Continental Congress in Philadelphia
- $200,000 to support Washington's Crossing in Bucks County
- $125,000 to support the Battle of Gettysburg Commemoration in Adams County
- $20,000 to support the 100th Anniversary of Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne counties
Last week, Governor Shapiro announced that the Commonwealth will host three free 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zones in Reading, Scranton, and Pittsburgh.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played between June 11 and July 19th with six matches slated for play in Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field stadium - renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the tournament - including a major Round of 16 match up on the 4th of July. During select matches, Pennsylvania's free fan zones will offer large-screen broadcasts of matches, live entertainment, interactive soccer fan experiences, and food and beverages.
Here's what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about PA Playmakers and FIFA World Cup Fan Zones:
City & State PA: Pennsylvania's major 2026 events get a Philadelphia pep rally
NBC 10: Statewide pep rally celebrated Pennsylvania's jammed-packed schedule for 2026
Fox 29: Pennsylvania prepares for record summer of major events, $40M in new funding
PHL17: Gov. Shapiro launches statewide 2026 pep rally in Philadelphia
WTAJ: Gov. Shapiro launches 2026 welcome committee for major events this year
6abc: 2026 Pennsylvania Pep Rally
WHYY: Free World Cup fan zones expanding to three other cities across Pennsylvania
Center Square: Three cities will become 'FIFA World Cup Fan Zones'
TribLive: Acrisure Stadium to host free, public World Cup watch parties
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: World Cup watch parties set for Acrisure Stadium
WGAL: Pennsylvania announces FIFA World Cup fan zones in Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton
2822 News: Gov Shapiro announces free World Cup Fan Zones in PA
Reading Eagle: Reading selected as a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone site
Scranton Times Tribune: Courthouse Square in Scranton to serve as a 'World Cup Fan Zone'
Crossing Broad: Reading, Scranton, and Yinzerville Getting World Cup Fan Zones
Mainline Media News: Reading selected as a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone site
CBS 21: FIFA World Cup fan zones announced in 3 Pennsylvania cities
The Office of the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania published this content on April 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 02, 2026 at 13:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]