Elevating major sporting events and Pittsburgh as an event destination.
We are thrilled at the prospect of elevating your event in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
Sports Event Grants, a program of the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (“SEA”) and established by the SEA Sports Commission, provides funding to elevate major sporting events that will make a positive economic impact on Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
To date, we have allocated a total of
$5,471,770
through 123 grants supporting over 27 different sports.
The funded events are estimated to generate
$475,098,405
in economic impact within Allegheny County.
Is My Event Eligible for a Grant?
Qualifying events include professional or amateur sanctioned athletic or esports events held by organizations that have been in existence for at least two years that take place:
- Within Allegheny County
- At least 60 days after the application period ends
- Within two years of the application date
- With significant economic impact
Upcoming Events
AC Sports Group Tournaments
Labor Day Girls Fest & The Burgh Girls Fest
Battle in the Burgh and West Penn Duals
“The SEA Sports Event Grants program has helped grow the FIRST Robotics Competition Greater Pittsburgh Regional into a high-impact event where 51 teams compete for a spot at the international FIRST Championship in Houston. As a sport where every participant can go pro, it creates real pathways while delivering a substantial economic impact to the region. We are proud to contribute to the community and thankful for SEA’s partnership in elevating both the event and Pittsburgh as a hub for innovative and transformative sporting events.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support we’ve received from [SEG] through their grant funding. Over the years, this funding has played a vital role in the growth and success of our Pittsburgh Riverhounds youth soccer tournaments. Thanks to [SEG’s] generous contributions, we’ve been able to provide a more enriching experience for all participants. The funding has helped cover essential costs like field rentals, equipment, and referees. [SEG’s] support hasn’t just enhanced the quality of our tournaments — it’s helped us build a stronger, more inclusive youth sports community. The excitement, camaraderie, and sportsmanship we see on the fields each year are a direct reflection of the opportunities this funding has made possible. We deeply appreciate [SEG’s] commitment to empowering youth through sport, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership for many years to come.”
“Without support from the Sports & Exhibition Authority, hosting the USCAA Soccer Small College National Championships would not be possible, or would be extremely limited in scope. Grants like this empower us to create truly memorable and impactful experiences for all of our student-athletes, coaches and administrators who earn a bid to the National Championships.”
“The [SEG] Program was instrumental in helping us host the 2024 Special Olympics North America Softball Championship in Pittsburgh. With more than 400 athletes, coaches, and Unified partners from across the U.S. and Canada participating, this event elevated Pittsburgh as a premier destination for inclusive sport. The [SEG] support allowed us to secure high-quality venues, enhance the athlete experience, and build an event that showcased not only competition but also belonging, dignity, and celebration. This was more than a tournament — it was a milestone for inclusion in Allegheny County, and [SEG] made it possible.”
“As the nation’s largest motorsport festival and the only one run on city streets, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix faces many logistical and financial challenges. The continued support of the Sports & Exhibition Authority is instrumental in helping us deliver a world-class event that showcases our region and makes Pittsburgh proud.”
“At P3R, our mission is to inspire any and all to MOVE—and the Sports Exhibition and Authority [Sports Event Grants] Program has been instrumental in helping us bring that mission to life. Their support has allowed us to enhance two of our premier events—the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend and the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler—in truly meaningful ways. With [SEG] funding, we’ve been able to expand our marketing efforts to attract more out-of-state participants and elevate the overall race experience through unique course activations and community engagement. Thanks to the Sports & Exhibition Authority, we’re not just hosting races—we’re creating unforgettable experiences that inspire movement and showcase Pittsburgh as a top-tier sports destination.”