Mon Jun 23 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Shapiro Mum on State Funds for New Arenas, Hints at NASCAR in Philly**

**LONG POND, PA -** Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro remained tight-lipped Sunday regarding the potential for state funding towards new sports arenas, including the possible replacement of Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles. Speaking at Pocono Raceway, Shapiro acknowledged ongoing discussions with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, about their stadium needs.

The Eagles’ lease at Lincoln Financial Field expires in 2032, prompting speculation about a new stadium. Lurie has publicly expressed internal conflict about the stadium’s future. Shapiro emphasized the need to balance investments in sports and tourism with broader economic concerns, citing federal budget cuts. He said that his goal is to make sure that both the Steelers and the Eagles have outstanding places to play that are welcoming for fans and generate revenue.

“I’m very worried about the overall budget, Shapiro said Sunday ahead of the scheduled NASCAR Cup Series race at the track. 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 also revealed preliminary talks about potentially bringing a NASCAR race to Philadelphia, possibly at Franklin Field, home of the Penn Relays and University of Pennsylvania football. While emphasizing the importance of not undermining Pocono Raceway, the state’s existing NASCAR venue, Shapiro expressed enthusiasm for expanding the sport’s presence in Pennsylvania.

“There’s some conversations,” Shapiro said. “First and foremost, we don’t want to do anything that undermines Pocono.”

Pennsylvania is set to host a string of major sporting events in the coming years, including the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field, the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, and the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh next April.

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