Harrisburg, PA – Continuing his commitment to making Pennsylvania a national economic leader, Governor Josh Shapiro announced his support of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent bid to host the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft.

Since 2015, the NFL has hosted its annual player selection process in cities across the nation, including Philadelphia in 2017. If selected for the 2026 or 2027 draft, the Steel City could see more than 350,000 visitors and a boost of over $100 million in direct spending into Pennsylvania’s economy.

 

Tourism is one of the largest and most important industries in Pennsylvania, generating over $76 billion a year and supporting more than 486,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. VisitPittsburgh estimates that if chosen to host the draft, Pittsburgh would see an economic impact between $120 million and $160 million.

 

“As the birthplace of America – and as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday in 2026 – the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be a central hub of economic activity over the next several years, and we would be honored for the NFL Draft to be a centerpiece of these celebrations,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Today, Pittsburgh has established itself as one of the most dynamic cities on the East Coast – and the birthplace of professional football; Pittsburgh is the best choice in the country to host the NFL Draft.  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is excited and ready to work together to host this historic draft and show the country what Pennsylvania is all about.”

 

In 2026, Pennsylvania will host a number of premier national and international events to highlight the United States of America’s 250^th birthday, including the MLB All Star

Game, the FIFA World Cup, NCAA March Madness, and the PGA Championship.

 

From Pittsburgh’s hospitality and entertainment industries to their state parks, trails, and outdoor recreation businesses – tourism serves as a powerful economic engine, giving Pennsylvanians more opportunities to pursue their passion, support their families, and succeed.

That’s why Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy – the first of its kind in nearly two decades – prioritizes the tourism industry and adopts a new marketing strategy to showcase all that Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth have to offer. This strategy builds on the Shapiro Administration’s work to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation and economic development and to create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.

 

Governor Shapiro believes it’s not enough to talk about it, we have to make real investments in our tourism industry and in our small businesses. Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal calls for an $18 million increase in funding for tourism and business marketing to help attract more visitors to Pennsylvania and help the industry they support. The Governor’s budget also calls for a $25 million investment in the Main Street Matters program to support small businesses; and $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge to incentivize regional growth.

 

The Governor’s letter of support for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ bid to host the NFL Draft, which he sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, can be read in full here.

FILE – Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers a 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could potentially become a fourth-rounder this year in return. The move is a strong signal the Bears will draft a QB — perhaps USC’s Caleb Williams — with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Fields figures to back up Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh on Friday.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates after his goal as Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon (34) collects himself during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby matched Wayne Gretzky for the seventh-most goals with a single franchise in NHL history, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-3. Crosby, Lars Eller, Reilly Smith and Valtteri Puustinen each had a goal and an assist for Pittsburgh, which won for the second time in three games following a four-game losing streak. Michael Bunting and Drew O’Connor also scored. Crosby’s 583rd career goal, his first in 12 games and No. 33 on the season, helped the Penguins keep their playoff hopes alive after dealing star winger Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline.

FILE – Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Sunday night, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday night because the contract hasn’t been finalized and added Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million salary. Wilson posted his intentions on X, formerly known as Twitter. He was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jake Guentzel (59) celebrates with Bryan Rust, left, Sidney Crosby (87), and Chad Ruhwedel after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The Panthers won 5-2. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jake Guentzel is heading to Carolina. The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the high-scoring forward to the Hurricanes in exchange for forward Michael Bunting, three prospects and two conditional 2024 draft picks. The 29-year-old Guentzel gives the Hurricanes a proven goal scorer who thrives in the postseason spotlight. Guentzel has reached the 40-goal plateau twice in eight seasons and has 58 points in 58 playoff games. His 13 goals during the 2017 playoffs led the league and helped the Penguins become the first team in nearly 20 years to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin (71) returns to the bench after after scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jeff Carter and Reilly Smith scored just over a minute apart midway through the third period and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. The Blue Jackets tied it earlier in the period on a short-handed goal by Jack Roslovic before Carter and Smith beat rookie goaltender Jet Greaves to give the Penguins some breathing room. Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell and Jesse Puljujarvi also scored for Pittsburgh. The Penguins are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games against Columbus. Johnny Gaudreau and Andrew Peeke also had goals for the Blue Jackets.

Pittsburgh’s Blake Hinson (2) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida State Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Blake Hinson scored 27 points and Jaland Lowe scored 17 points and Pittsburgh controlled most of the way and beat Florida State 88-73. Cam Corhen scored 25 points shooting 8 for 12; 9 for 10 from the foul line for Pitt. Following Pitt’s 42-31 halftime lead, the Panthers went on a 13-4 run to start to extend their margin to 53-35 in the first three minutes of the half. Florida State closed the gap to 56-49 with a jump shot from Watkins but the Seminoles never got closer. Pitt reached the 20-win mark for the second straight season.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 6, 2024 9:14 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) The Bocce Regional championships are taking place today. Aliquippa High School’s team is the number 1 seed, they average 6.13 points per game. They are in the Beaver South division. Hopewell is a wild card team with 7.17 points. Central Valley is a wild card with 4.67 points per game in the Beaver Central division along with Freedom that has 5.25 points per game.

The regionals are being held at Geneva College’s Metheny Field House with opening ceremonies at 9:40 am and the tournament starts at 10 a.m.