The Delaware Tourism Office has awarded over 11 million dollars in grants from the state’s Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund to four sports facilities across the three counties. The projects include a new indoor track facility in Wilmington, improvements to the DE Turf stadium in Frederica, and the installation of stadium lights and construction of two additional fields at STATS Tournaments in Bear. Midway Motion & Fitness is also receiving a grant to build a pickleball complex in Rehoboth with 12 indoor and 4 outdoor courts meeting American Pickleball Association requirements.
Jessica Welch, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office, stated that these projects were chosen for their potential to attract unique events to the state. She emphasized that sports tourism is a significant economic driver, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating millions of dollars in revenue for the state.
A total of 18 venues applied for grants totaling 54 million dollars, with the panel selecting the top four projects while also striving to have a mix of new and existing facilities across all three counties.
The Indoor Delaware Track facility will utilize the new space adjacent to Wilmington’s Chase Fieldhouse, which will provide visitors with an exciting opportunity to watch live events and participate in sporting activities. The improvements at DE Turf will increase seating capacity by tripling current stadium seating and constructing a new tournament facility, making it easier for visitors to attend sporting events. The installation of stadium lights at STATS Tournaments will enhance visibility on two fields and make it possible to host more events throughout the year. Finally, Midway Motion & Fitness’ pickleball complex will offer visitors an opportunity to play on both indoor and outdoor courts while meeting American Pickleball Association requirements.
