Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Shutterstock)
PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro says he wants Pennsylvania's professional sports teams to have top-quality facilities, but he is not advocating state funding for new venues for the Eagles in Philadelphia and the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Shapiro said on Sunday that he would continue discussion with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and Steelers owner Art Rooney II about any potential stadium needs, but stopped short of saying public money should be used for current or future stadiums.
"I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play," Shaprio said at an event at the Pocono Raceway. (Places) that are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue. We're going to continue to dialog with them about what they need and what's possible."
The Eagles have played at Lincoln Financial Field since 2003. Their lease expires in 2032. The Steelers have played at Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, since 2001. Their lease expires in 2030.
Shapiro's remarks did not address PNC Park in Pittsburgh, widely regarded as one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball. Nor did they mention Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Shapiro previously has rejected the idea of state funding for a new Philadelphia 76ers arena, which will be a joint venture between Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor and be located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex near the Linc. It will replace the current Wells Fargo Center, which is shared by the Sixers and Flyers.
The new arena is slated to open by 2031.
_This article contains information from the Associated Press._
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. [Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.](/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/subscribe)