With 2026 in view, DCED requests $10M in marketing and $15M in event security funding

Lawmakers asked how the state will prepare for a string of major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia and the NFL draft in Pittsburgh.

Secretary Seager described three one-time items in the proposed budget tied to 2026: $10 million in additional marketing to attract visitors, $15 million for regional-event security, and $36.5 million in one-time event-support funding. Seager said the marketing is intended not just to drive single-event attendance but to "re-baseline" tourism so people explore other parts of Pennsylvania after visiting marquee cities.

Seager also described a multi-year tourism effort under the "Great American Getaway" brand and said recent increases in tourism funding and new creative assets have led to a substantial rise in impressions and hotel-room growth in target markets.

Next steps: DCED will continue to coordinate with local destination marketing organizations, event organizers and security partners to refine spending and deployment plans and to report back on outcomes.