Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT)

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Account (SMAT) program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This program was established through amendments to the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code and aims to enhance tourism and economic development by attracting high-quality amateur and professional sports and e-sports events to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By supporting these events, the program seeks to bolster year-round tourism, economic impact, and the overall quality of life in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants for SMAT funding include municipalities, local authorities, nonprofit organizations, or legal entities that are engaged in a competitive site selection process managed by an external Site Selection Organization. Applicants must be pursuing the opportunity to host sporting or e-sports events at one or more locations within Pennsylvania. A broad array of events qualifies, including but not limited to NCAA championships, Olympic activities, Formula One races, the Super Bowl, and various All-Star games from major sports leagues. Only Site Selection Organizations located outside Pennsylvania are considered for eligibility purposes. Funding through SMAT may cover a wide range of eligible costs, such as event preparation, venue-related expenses, marketing and promotional efforts, on-site logistics, equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements, and land acquisition, with some limits (e.g., only 20% of improvement or land costs unless the venue is publicly owned). Ineligible costs include those associated with relocating existing franchises, building new permanent sports venues, and routine facility maintenance, though temporary constructions for events are allowed. Grant recipients must follow branding and sponsorship requirements, such as incorporating the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s “Visit PA” branding in all marketing materials and providing sponsorship benefits to the state worth up to 10% of the total award. These benefits may include promotional visibility, hospitality packages, on-site engagement, and digital exposure. Applications are reviewed quarterly and evaluated based on eligibility and potential economic outcomes, such as job support, tax revenue, media exposure, and hotel stays. Supporting letters from sports commissions or destination marketing organizations are required, along with past impact reports where applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically via the DCED's Single Application for Assistance portal. Approved applicants will sign grant agreements through their Keystone Login and follow procedures including project documentation, expense certification, and compliance with employment and labor laws. Recipients must also be registered with Pennsylvania’s Vendor Registration System and submit periodic and final reports, as well as audits or close-out reports depending on the funding level. Program inquiries and application support are handled through the DCED Customer Service Center. Additional guidance, such as audit requirements and logo files for branding, are available on the program’s website. The program flow chart on page 11 outlines key steps from application submission to reimbursement and final reporting.