Pa. will be the epicenter of sports in 2026
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Sports are already a big deal for Pennsylvanians, but they will become gargantuan next year and could attract millions of people and billions in economic impact for the Keystone State.
Why it matters: Pennsylvania last year highlighted the Great American Getaway as its tourism focus, saying it's looking to attract the 72 million Americans who live within a four-hour drive of its borders, and live sporting events will be a big part of that.
Driving the news: The U.S. Open started yesterday, bringing over 200,000 golf fans to Oakmont and serving as a preview for the state's year of sports in 2026.
Context: Pennsylvania will host four massive sporting events over a four-month span next year.
- The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh in April
- The PGA Championship in Delaware County in May
- FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia in June and July
- The MLB All-Star Game in Philly in July
What they're saying: "To say next year is going to be epic is an understatement. This is our moment," said Pennsylvania deputy secretary of tourism Anne Ryan at the 16th hole of the U.S. Open.
By the numbers: Officials expect four events — and celebrations related to the nation's 250th birthday — to attract 2-3 million non-Pennsylvanians to the state next year, said Ryan.
- The events will bring in $90 billion in economic impact for Pennsylvania, she said.
Zoom in: Pittsburgh tourism representatives believe next year's NFL Draft will bring over 600,000 people to the city thanks to its proximity to 11 other NFL markets.
- Jim Britt of Visit Pittsburgh said it will be the largest sporting event in Southwestern Pennsylvania's history.
Fun fact: General grounds tickets are already sold out for the 2026 PGA Championship, said Mike Lewers, general chairman for next year's golf tournament. Practice round tickets are still available, he said.
Zoom out: The World Cup is expected to attract 500,000 to the Philadelphia area next year, and officials are hoping for more visitors in other parts of the state, too.
- Pittsburgh, Central Pennsylvania near Hershey or Reading, and Northeast Pennsylvania will get World Cup hubs where fans can join large watch parties during the soccer tournament, said Ryan.
What's next: Expect to see a lot more marketing for Pennsylvania's big sports year starting after this year's July Fourth holiday, said Ryan, and again once groups are announced for the World Cup this December.