skip to main content

Erie Sports Commission Awards Facility Matching Funds Grants

EBSP Check Presentation

Applications for 2022 Funding Open Now

Erie, Pa:  The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 Facility Matching Funds Program. A total of $10,000 has been awarded to assist in renovations and equipment upgrades at three local facilities: ERIEBANK Sports Park, Sinai Sports and the Trails Six Mile Creek Park.

The ESC’s Facility Matching Funds Program was established in 2019 to provide grant funding to Erie County facilities capable of hosting sporting events that could generate tourism. A dollar-for-dollar match is provided for approved facility improvements, including new equipment purchases.

“Our ability to attract new events to Erie starts with exceptional sporting event facilities. This program is just one way that the Erie Sports Commission can show it is invested in their continuous improvement,” said Mark Jeanneret, Executive Director of the ESC. “The three projects that we’ve chosen for 2021 funding, when completed, will diversify the types of sporting events that our area can host and continue to broaden Erie’s hosting ability. We believe in the success of this program, and that’s why we’ve decided to expand our funding capacity in 2022. I’m eager to see the 2021 projects come to fruition, and to see what else we can help fund in 2022.”

The $4,000 awarded to ERIEBANK Sports Park will be used to purchase four new, adjustable volleyball net systems, one for each court at the facility. The volleyball net systems have not been updated since the facility in Summit Township opened in 1994. The facility is currently home to the EPIC Volleyball tournament series, which hosts 13 tournaments annually, and will look to expand operations after the installation of the new systems.

The Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association received $4,000 for its Trails at Six Mile project. The project aims to create a system of trails at Six Mile Creek Park in Harborcreek in order to host mountain biking events and draw regional travelers for mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. The grant will assist with the construction of trail features and purchase a trail head bike repair station.

Sinai Sports received $2,000 to purchase new ninja equipment for the multi-purpose facility, located in Millcreek. Additional trusses, ropes and unique grips will make the facility more desirable for hosting ninja competitions. The facility currently hosts two National Ninja League (NNL) competitions annually.

The ESC’s Facility Matching Funds Program is now accepting applications for its next round of grants. The program has been expanded for 2022, with a total of $15,000 available for eligible facility improvement funding requests. For more information, and to apply visit https://www.eriesportscommission.com/contact/facility-matching-funds/.