DOVER — The Delaware Tourism Office has announced that it will award $10 million in sports tourism capital grants to five applications, ranging from hotspots like the Kirkwood Sports Complex to the Dover Motor Speedway.
The Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund received massive interest from developers and tourism leaders alike, as the second round for applications was open a little more than a month and had seen 18 total applications, although one rescinded early on in the process. The 17 applications that remained sought a combined $47 million from the fund. Final deliberations on the proposals was held on Dec. 12 by the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund Review Panel.
“Once again, this was a very competitive application process. The panel worked diligently to consider the merits of each facility that applied,” Sen. Jack Walsh (D-Newport) said in a prepared statement.
Walsh sat on the review panel, along with Rep. Debra Heffernan (D-Bellefonte) and representatives from each tourism agency in the state.
“The facilities receiving funding play an integral role in encouraging out-of-state visitation and positively impacting our economy,” he added.
The Kirkwood Sports Complex in New Castle, managed by BPG Sports, received the highest amount of funding at $4 million. Its proposal included requests for funding to help install five turf fields and lighting, as well as 300 new parking spots.
The Buccini/Pollin Group, which signed a deal with New Castle County to develop the site off River Road, has committed to delivering $16 million in investment over the years – though its proposal before the review panel suggested the total investment the company made for its proposal was around $8 million.
This marks the second time BPG received state funds for a sports site as the Chase Fieldhouse also received $6 million from the earlier round of funding this summer.
Building Stronger Communities: How to Effectively Support Local Nonprofits
Bethany Beach Club Tennis was also successful in securing funding during this round. The group was awarded $3.8 million to build a facility complete with interior courts to draw year-round events for pickleball, tennis and paddle sports in Ocean View.
Hudson Fields in Milton landed $1.13 million to fund at least half of the improvements necessary to upgrade two turf fields and seven grass fields to current tournament standards.
Factory Sports in Frankford was also awarded funding and will receive $577,000 to build two basketball courts, two volleyball courts and six pickleball courts.
In the state’s capital city, Dover Motor Speedway was granted $500,000 for its proposal which includes new paving, elevator upgrades, refurbishment to its media center and an improved audio system to help continue to attract more concerts like the Mondegreen Phish festival and continue events like the Gift of Lights drive-thru.
Since the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund was established through the bond bill in Fiscal Year 2023, it has funded $21.3 million in taxpayer money for nine projects in all. With a new administration coming into office, it’s unclear whether Gov.-elect Matt Meyer will continue the fund or divert the money to other initiatives.
“We will continue to encourage visitation through the fund, ensuring that sporting event operators think of Delaware when looking for states to host their tournaments and other competitions in,” Walsh added.
– Digital Partners –
Business news, analysis and strategic insights on the companies, people and issues that impact business in Delaware and beyond.
Copyright © 2024 Today Media. All Rights Reserved.
