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rom Allentown to Erie, Wilkes-Barre to Zelienople, and every destination in between, no event is too big or too small for PA Sports members. Marking its 17th year as an organization in 2020, PA Sports hasn’t wavered from its mission: showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination by attracting and hosting international, national, regional, and local sporting events. “PA Sports is a one-stop shop in a sports-centric state,” said R. Ron Sertz, chairman for PA Sports. Sertz describes the group as dedicated, talented, and continuously growing in expertise. Rights holders and event organizers have come to depend on the individual members’ expertise and experience in hosting successful events. The outline for partnership between the original six members actually began in 2003 on a napkin. Those in attendance wanted to open up collaboration with one another to find the perfect fit for events. They wanted to make sure events would stay in Pennsylvania, helping to enhance the economic impact of events held in the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, as well as state and local legislators from across the state, recognized the importance of sports tourism. For Pennsylvania, that economic impact from sports tourism has value that extends beyond the actual competition. The state is fortunate to be a 12-month vacation destination and has long been a popular travel destination. From sleek cityscapes and charming small towns to
rugged woodlands and a lush countryside, there are endless options to explore. Extending tourism beyond the events is a significant part of the PA Sports mission. Athletes, their families, coaches, and officials all contribute to Pennsylvania’s local and state economies. PA Sports has 13 members and the experience to handle every event. When that experience is coupled with nearby vacation possibilities, planners have a winning combination for their event. Philadelphia’s PHL Sports has a history of handling big time events. The city has hosted the annual Army-Navy game 86 times. Philadelphia has the space, including a Sports Complex that houses three world-class venues that have attracted the NFL Draft, NHL Winter Classic, NCAA Championships and others. Any competitor traveling to Philadelphia should extend their stay with a visit to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and so many other attractions tied to America’s Birthplace. When a new eSports event became available, Hershey Harrisburg Sports and Events Authority was the first choice. The Hershey-Harrisburg region hosted the U.S. Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, with teams from 15 states accounting for more than 4,500 room nights. For the seventh year the event sold out with more than 132 teams competing. There’s family fun at Chocolate Town U.S.A. featuring Hershey Park® and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Just a few years ago, SportsPITTSBURGH won the rights to host
13 Member Destinations Make Pennsylvania a Premier Host
PA Sports members have a “We can do that” attitude. They provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities, a commitment to service at the highest level and a cornucopia of leisure activities in their communities
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Sports Planning Guide
A dedicated cycling scene powers Pennsylvania by luring in top-notch competitors with its world-class facilities.
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