Overview

• Governor Josh Shapiro revealed exploratory talks to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to Philadelphia, identifying Franklin Field as a leading candidate venue.
• He emphasized that any new Philadelphia event must protect Pocono Raceway’s sellout streak, which has topped 50,000 tickets for three consecutive years.
• NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell has signaled a broader strategy of staging races in existing stadiums and street circuits following events in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
• Shapiro is also consulting NFL stakeholders, including Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the Steelers’ Rooney family, on stadium futures for teams with 2032 lease expirations.
• Pennsylvania’s sports calendar is already packed with major 2026 events such as the MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup matches, the PGA Championship and the NFL Draft.