Shapiro remains steadfast on no state money for new arenas, champions Pa. sports scene at Pocono
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro reaffirmed the state would provide no funding for any new sports arenas — a possibility that looms with the Eagles' lease set to expire in 2032 — and said there were conversations about bringing NASCAR to Philadelphia as he championed the state's full sports slate next year during an appearance Sunday at Pocono Raceway.
Shapiro said he would continue talking with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family in Pittsburgh about what — if anything — the NFL teams need when it comes to the state of their stadiums.
Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium, the home of the Steelers, opened in 2001 while Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003 in Philadelphia's shared sports complex. The Eagles do not own the Linc. The team will need to renew its lease or build a new stadium, and Lurie said during the lead-up to the Super Bowl that he was 'torn' over the idea of replacing the stadium or staying put in the home where they raised their only two Super Bowl championship banners.
If a new stadium is proposed, it won't come with state money — just as Shapiro said he would not provide when the 76ers considered building a new arena (ownership did not ask for the funds) last year.
(The 76ers decided to partner with Comcast Spectacor, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia.)
'I'm very worried about the overall budget,' Shapiro said Sunday at Pocono. 'I'm very worried about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. You want to balance investing in tourism, investing in sports, investing in great arenas and facilities, with making sure that you're also investing those dollars in things that Pennsylvanians need most.'
Shapiro, who spoke ahead of the scheduled NASCAR Cup Series race at the track, declined to get into specifics about any stadium conversations with the state's NFL owners.
'I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play,' he said. 'That are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue.
'We're going to continue to dialog with them about what they need and what's possible.'
Shapiro promoted the financial impact generated for the state each year because of the NASCAR weekend at Pocono. He praised Pocono Raceway officials for its third straight sellout crowd set for Sunday. The track sold out all frontstretch seating, premium seating, suites, infield camping and the grandstand camping area. It also is the fifth consecutive year that the entire infield camping inventory has been sold out.
Pocono President Ben May said the track sold around 50,000 grandstand tickets, around 2,000 suite seats and 3,300 camping spots.
NASCAR expressed at least a cursory interest in adding to its recent string of offbeat race locations — everywhere from Mexico City to a temporary track inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — and floated the idea of holding a race inside a Philadelphia stadium, Franklin Field. The site is traditionally home to the Penn Relays and college football.
'There's some conversations,' Shapiro said. 'First and foremost, we don't want to do anything that undermines Pocono. But as Ben (says), the more NASCAR the better. The more racing, the better. The more we can turn people on in communities that haven't been to Pocono yet, to get excited about racing, and then make that trip to Pocono next year, the better. I want to see more NASCAR, more racing. I also just want to see more sports in general.'
He'll get his wish next year.
Shapiro laughed when he said he calls into sports talk radio stations as 'Josh from Juniata' and was all-in on the heavy inventory of major sports events headed to the state.
Among the events in 2026, Pennsylvania will host the baseball All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, the World Cup at the Linc and the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. The big year kicks off with the NFL draft in Pittsburgh next April.
'I worked my ass off to bring that to Pittsburgh, together with the Steelers,' Shapiro said. 'I'm excited for them.'
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong drops 5-word declaration on Home Run Derby interest
The post Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong drops 5-word declaration on Home Run Derby interest appeared first on ClutchPoints. Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as on of Major League Baseball's most popular players. The 23-year-old has become a fan favorite in Chicago and is in MVP consideration in the National League. Despite his electric start to the season, Crow-Armstrong's desire to participant in the marquee event of All-Star Weekend caught fans off guard. He and Kyle Tucker are having great power seasons at the plate, but Crow-Armstrong does not see himself taking part in the Home Run Derby. Advertisement MLB's All-Star Weekend is a time where the brightest stars in the game get together and put on a show. However, interest in the Home Run Derby among players has gone down in recent seasons. Fans hope that players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Kyle Schwarber will participate. However, the event is nowhere near as star-studded as it used to be. According to Marquee Sports Network's Andy Martinez, Crow-Armstrong could pass on the derby as well. 'No,' the Cubs' center fielder said, 'that's not for me.' According to Crow-Armstrong, he does not have the same ability as some of the premier sluggers in the league. Advertisement 'That's a different kind of power, I think,' Crow-Armstrong said. 'That's a different kind of power. I don't know if I can withstand however long the timer is there. That'd be a struggle.' If Crow-Armstrong refuses to participate, he and Tucker will have another thing in common. The Cubs' offseason acquisition has never participated in the even either, despite attending three All-Star Weekends with the Astros. Regardless of if they take part in the Home Run Derby or not, both Crow-Armstrong and Tucker will be at All-Star Weekend. Both Cubs outfielders are among the top vote-getters in the NL. It would be Crow-Armstrong's first All-Star appearance, but he is not too worried about whether or not he makes the cut. 'I mean, being able to share the field with guys like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge and all that's great,' Crow-Armstrong said. 'But, I see it as I get to do that every day with [Kyle Tucker] and [Ian] Happ. I'm just trying to be another piece in the puzzle to what the Cubbies are doing. It'll be cool if it happens. If it happens, it happens. If not, I get a nice week off.' Advertisement Even if Crow-Armstrong does not want to be in the derby, Cubs fans hope that his powerful season continues, by any means necessary. Related: Cubs trade proposal lands Zac Gallen from Diamondbacks Related: MLB rumors: Cubs labeled 'perfect fit' for Diamondbacks studs
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Jayden Daniels Takes Shot At Eagles Corner During Fanatics Fest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After completing one of the most electrifying rookie seasons in NFL history, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels isn't backing down from the rising expectations ahead of his second year. Selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels quickly flipped the fortunes of a struggling franchise. The former LSU standout helped Washington rebound from a four-win season to a Wild Card berth, then led a stunning postseason run that included road upsets over the Buccaneers and Lions. The Commanders' Cinderella story ultimately ended in the NFC Championship Game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the message was clear: Daniels had arrived. Daniels finished his rookie season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and another 891 yards and six scores on the ground. More impressively, he displayed rare poise under pressure, becoming a difference-maker in the biggest moments. Now heading into his sophomore season, Daniels is eager for even greater challenges, and he's not shy about who he wants to face. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders smiles after an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders smiles after an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, a recent panel appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City alongside Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Joe Montana, Daniels was asked which defensive back he's most excited to face in 2025. Eagles corner Quinyon Mitchell was suggested, but Daniels opted for a different answer. "Quinyon is a good choice. But this year, I would probably say that I'm excited to go against Pat Surtain." Jayden Daniels was asked about the toughest CB to face in the NFL right now. 🤔 He said that Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell was a good choice but that wasn't his answer: — Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) June 21, 2025 Mitchell had a tremendous rookie season himself, locking down top receivers and finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse. Daniels threw for five touchdowns in a comeback win against Philadelphia in Week 16. Mitchell got his revenge in the NFC Championship Game, in which Daniels had a 2.8 passer rating when targeting Mitchell as the primary defender. While the NFC East rivalry with the Eagles ensures Daniels will get two cracks at Mitchell, it's the Week 13 Sunday Night Football matchup against Denver that has Daniels' attention. The Broncos' defense, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, finished as the league's top unit in 2024. The Commanders made key additions this offseason to build around their young star quarterback. They acquired former All-Pro WR Deebo Samuel from the 49ers and 5x Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil, in addition to re-signing TE Zach Ertz and WR Noah Brown. If last season was any indication, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders aren't going to stand by idly while the Eagles win championships. Week 16 vs. the Eagles. One of Jayden Daniels' many last-minute wins this season ⏰@JayD__5 | @Commanders 📺: #WASvsPHI – Sunday 3pm ET on FOX 📱: Stream on @NFLPlus — NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2025 For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shoeless Jazz Chisholm Jr. crosses plate for Yankees, a century after Shoeless Joe Jackson
New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts in the dugout after scoring on a fielder's choice during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks off the field after colliding with Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley while scoring during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout without shoes after scoring during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout without shoes after scoring during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts in the dugout after scoring on a fielder's choice during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks off the field after colliding with Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley while scoring during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout without shoes after scoring during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) NEW YORK (AP) — Shoeless Jazz crossed the plate, a century after Shoeless Joe. Both of Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s cleats flew off his feet as he scored from second base in the New York Yankees' 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles in an unusual morning start Sunday. Advertisement 'I was so sweaty. My socks were wet. Everything had just slipped straight out," he said. Chisholm doubled twice, including a go-ahead, two-run drive off the right-center field wall in the eighth inning, then slid into catcher Gary Sánchez for the final run as New York put the shoe on the other foot, so to speak. The AL East-leading Yankees won their second straight after losing seven of eight in a game that will be remembered for Chisholm's size 10 1/2 Jordan 1 spikes. Shoeless Joe supposedly was given his nickname on June 6, 1908, playing semi-pro ball for the independent Greenville Spinners against the Anderson Electricians. New cleats had caused blisters, and he took them off and hit a long home run in the seventh inning. Jackson won a World Series title with the Chicago White Sox in 1917, then was among eight players on the so-called 'Black Sox' who were banned for life after they were accused of intentionally losing the 1919 Series to Cincinnati in exchange for money from gamblers. He finished with a .356 average in 13 major league seasons. Advertisement Asked whether he should be called Shoeless Jazz, Chisholm responded: 'Wow. Is that how Shoeless Joe got his name? He ran out of his shoe?' When told Jackson earned nickname in the 1910s, Chisholm quipped: 'Oh, so he wasn't wearing shoes.' 'I saw a lot of firsts,' Yankees captain Aaron Judge said. '11:30 game to a guy losing both his shoes. I've seen one cleat kind of running but not both like that. That was awesome.' Chisholm is hitting .350 (21 for 60) with 11 RBIs since returning from a strained right oblique that caused him to miss 28 games. He raised his average to .242. 'That's what I live for. That's how I grew up playing baseball in high school, Little League,' he said. 'I don't feel like it's no need to change.' Advertisement New York trailed 2-0 when Chisholm hit a two-out double off Dean Kremer and headed for home on DJ LeMahieu's single to left. Chisholm's left shoe popped off between third and home. Seeing rookie catcher Maverick Handley move to his left for Colton Cowser's throw up the third-base line, Chisholm tried to veer to avoid contact. He caught the catcher with his right arm as Cowser was spun to the ground and the ball popped out of his mitt. Chisholm fell past the plate as the right shoe was jarred off and from his knees slapped a hand across the plate. 'He had dirt all over his face when I walked out there to get him. Looked like glitter on his face,' Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. 'We were all kind of screaming.' After he reached the dugout, Chisholm stretched out with his stockinged feet on the bench. He put on a fresh pair of socks and then his spikes, and Chisholm asked rookie Jasson Domínguez to tie the laces. Advertisement 'They say he's the best shoe tier,' Chisholm recalled in the postgame clubhouse. 'I didn't understand it until he actually did. It took me like a minute to take off my shoes just now.' Baltimore led 2-1 in the eighth when Ben Rice singled leading off against Bryan Baker for his third hit. Giancarlo Stanton singled to put runners at the corners, and Paul Goldschmidt pinch ran for his fellow former MVP — the first pinch-running appearance of Goldschmidt's big league career, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Baker fell behind 3-0 in the count and left a belt-high fastball over the plate. He drove it 384 feet off the middle of the wall. 'I wasn't going to swing if it wasn't a fastball,' Chisholm said, Advertisement Goldschmidt, 37, slid in just ahead of Sánchez's tag. Chisholm was a minor leaguer in Arizona's system when Goldschmidt starred for the Diamondbacks. 'He was the guy that everybody really watched doing baserunning,' Chisholm said. 'Even when I got to Miami, he was still the blueprint of how to run the bases.' Goldschmidt took pride in his baserunning. 'It's something that wasn't secondary behind hitting and defense,' he said. Chisholm took third on the throw and LeMahieu followed with a chopper to shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who threw home. Chisholm slid headfirst and was at first called out by umpire Jansen Visconti, who didn't realize Sánchez dropped the ball as he applied the tag. Advertisement His first run, however, was the one that will live on in replays for the flying footwear. 'Go out there. Keep playing like that,' Stanton had told him. 'You don't need them.' ___ AP baseball:
