Pennsylvania Boosts Economy with USGA Events and Tourism Investment

October 31, 2025 October 31, 2025

Editorial Staff

More than 200,000 individuals, including both players and spectators, converged at the Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh for the USGA's 125th championship golf event from June 12-15.

Tourism plays a significant role in Pennsylvania’s economy, and the Shapiro Administration is making strategic investments in prominent sporting events across the state to uplift the economy, attract more visitors, and bolster this vital industry.

Harrisburg, PA – Economic Boost from Major Sporting Events

The Shapiro Administration's targeted investments in major sporting events are yielding economic dividends for Pennsylvania. The United States Golf Association (USGA) reports that the 2025 U.S. Open golf championship held at Oakmont Country Club in Allegheny County contributed $288.8 million to Pennsylvania’s economy. Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration invested over $2.2 million to support this event, resulting in the creation or support of 1,476 jobs.

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club was the 10th time the club hosted the event, maintaining its record for the most U.S. Opens held at a single venue in the tournament's 130-year history. To ensure the event's success, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided the USGA with two grants in 2023 and 2024 through the Sports Marketing and Tourism program.

DCED Secretary Rick Siger commented, “On top of being a big economic driver here in Pennsylvania ― golf events like the 2025 U.S. Open also create jobs, boost our small businesses, and bring people from around the world to the Commonwealth.” He praised the USGA’s collaboration with Oakmont Country Club as a significant achievement for the Pittsburgh region and the entire state.

Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of Tourism, emphasized, “Hospitality and tourism are extremely important to Pennsylvania, and golf has played a crucial role in attracting sports fans to the Commonwealth for more than a century.” She expressed pride in supporting events like the U.S. Open, and optimism that visitors will return for future events in 2026.

Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, noted, “The continued return of the U.S. Open to Oakmont Country Club underscores Pittsburgh’s position as one of the nation’s leading destinations for major sporting events.” He highlighted the economic and reputational benefits that such events bring to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Thriving Tourism Sector

Tourism stands as a focal point in Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, and recent data indicate an upward trend. In 2024, tourism in Pennsylvania generated $83.9 billion, supported 514,261 jobs, contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes, and attracted 201.6 million visitors.

Anticipating America's 250th in 2026

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, as it was pivotal in 1776, will once again be at the forefront with major events including the NCAA’s March Madness, FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, and the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. In preparation, Governor Shapiro has proposed $65 million in the 2025-26 budget for the celebration, including: