It is an exciting year to be in Pennsylvania! This Summer, in addition to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and Pennsylvania’s heritage as the birthplace of American freedom, our state also has the honor of hosting multiple FIFA World Cup Games.
 
Philadelphia Soccer, the nonprofit organizing committee planning and executing Pennsylvania’s World Cup events, estimates that nearly 500,000 people will visit Pennsylvania for the World Cup and deliver over $700 million in economic impact. Other groups have estimated that economic activity associated with America 250 will produce an additional $1.3 to $2.5 billion in economic impact in Southeastern Pennsylvania alone.
 
There is no reason to believe that residents and visitors will remain confined to Philadelphia during these extraordinary events. The Governor’s designation of World Cup Fan Zones in the great cities of Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Reading has only added to the long list of celebrations and experiences that are planned all over our state. The historical sites of our Commonwealth will also attract large numbers of visitors to locations such as Valley Forge and Gettysburg. As such, I believe we should give every municipality the tools to prime their local economies and businesses accordingly. This includes tools that address alcohol sales. That is why I will be introducing legislation to expand the event permits and give every municipality the option to participate.
 
Visitors to and residents of our Commonwealth are looking forward to a summer of remembrance, homage, and camaraderie. Local businesses, if allowed, will be more than happy to meet their demands. I hope you will join me in positioning our communities for economic success.