Four sports facilities in Delaware are set to receive funding from the state’s Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund. The Delaware Tourism Office has awarded a total of just over 11 million dollars to facilities in all three counties.
Wilmington Sports, LLC will receive $6 million to construct a new indoor track facility adjacent to Wilmington’s Chase Fieldhouse. The facility, Indoor Delaware Track, will utilize the space. Meanwhile, DE Turf in Frederica has been awarded $3 million for improvements, including tripling current stadium seating and constructing a new tournament facility.
STATS Tournaments in Bear will use its $300,000 grant to install stadium lights at two fields and build one additional baseball field and softball field. Midway Motion & Fitness will receive $2 million to build a pickleball complex in Rehoboth, featuring 12 indoor and 4 outdoor courts meeting American Pickleball Association standards.
According to Jessica Welch, the director of the Delaware Tourism Office, the indoor track and pickleball projects were selected as unique opportunities to attract events to the state. The pickleball facility will be the first of its kind in Delaware, offering a competitive advantage in hosting regional or national tournaments. The fund supports both new and existing sports facilities that host events throughout the year to draw out-of-state visitors and contribute to the economy.
Sports tourism is a significant economic driver for Delaware, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating millions in revenue. A total of 18 venues applied for grants, seeking a combined 54 million dollars in funding. The selection panel not only chose the top-rated projects but also considered a mix of new and existing facilities in all three counties. The goal is to ensure that Delaware remains competitive in offering top-notch facilities for athletes and their families traveling for tournaments and championships.
