（Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府2月4日宣佈斥資1000萬元，鼓勵市鎮及非營利組織為FIFA今年在麻州舉行的7場世界杯足球賽，籌辦爭取觀光等促進經濟機會的活動。申請經費網站「體育與娛樂活動基金補助計畫（Sports and Entertainment Events Fund）」3月4日截止收件。
麻州旅遊局長 Kate Fox 強調，州政府撥出這筆經費，是要讓整個麻州的社區都能享受到世界盃帶來的經濟紅利。州政府將於 2 月 11 日上午 10:00 舉行線上說明會提供詳細指導。
麻州旅遊局（MOTT）指出，今年 6 月 13 日至 7 月 9 日 ，FIFA將在麻州的吉列球場（Gillette Stadium）等地舉辦包括 32 強賽與半準決賽的共 7 場世界盃賽事。波士頓諮詢集團（BCG）及大波士頓會展旅遊局（Meet Boston）估計，全球將有 45 萬名遊客來麻州、波士頓觀賽，若加上同年夏季的麻州慶祝建國 250 週年，高桅帆船（Sail Boston）巡迴展等大活動，麻州的2026 年國際訪客總數有望突破 300 萬人次。
麻州政府為協助地方市鎮及非營利組織分擔因賽事湧入人潮所衍生的公共安全維護、交通接駁規劃，以及各類社區觀賽派對（Watch Parties）與慶祝活動的營運成本，並把握商機，創造經濟發展機會，特地撥備1000萬元，將藉由單一實體獲補助額度不得超過總預算一半，申請單位必須展現高度參與意願等條件，保障公平性，提供與補助金額對等或更高的匹配資金。
評選委員會將優先考量能提升麻州國際形象、創造長期觀光價值及 job creation（創造就業）的企劃案。
所有申請案件須在 3 月 4 日下午 3:00 前，透過官方入口網站（https://www.visitma.com/）提交。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program
$10 Million Available to Support FIFA World Cup–Related Events and Watch Parties
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), announced the opening of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program application portal. This competitive grant program will support major sports and entertainment events that drive tourism and economic activity across the Commonwealth.
The program was authorized through the Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Budget, which allocates $10 million to support costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including public safety, transportation, and celebrations. Massachusetts will host seven World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 and a quarterfinal, between June 13 and July 9, 2026.
“Massachusetts has a long history of hosting world-class sporting and cultural events, and this new fund positions us to lead the next chapter,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By creating this program, we are making a clear commitment to attract and support marquee events like the FIFA World Cup and the community experiences that surround them. This investment allows us to showcase Massachusetts’ sportsmanship, creativity, and vibrant communities to a global audience, while bringing people together, strengthening our economy, and welcoming the world to our state.”
“Bringing major events to Massachusetts, from this summer’s FIFA World Cup to last year’s International World Figure Skating Championships, requires strong coordination across state agencies, municipalities, and private partners,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This fund helps ensure communities have the infrastructure, communications, and operational support needed to successfully host and elevate events of this scale. By working collaboratively, we can deliver seamless experiences for visitors and ensure communities across Massachusetts share in the lasting benefits of hosting large-scale events.”
The program will evaluate applications based on return on investment, economic impact to the tourism sector, potential to promote Massachusetts nationally and internationally, and geographic equity across the state. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities. No single entity may receive more than half of the total funds available. Grantees must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount awarded.
“Sports and entertainment events are catalysts for broad economic growth,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “This new fund gives Massachusetts a strategic, competitive tool to attract and support high-impact events that drive job creation, visitor spending, and long-term value for local businesses across the state. By making targeted investments like this, we are strengthening Massachusetts’ ability to compete on a global stage while delivering measurable economic benefits to communities statewide. We thank the Legislature for their support”
“Sports tourism introduces visitors to Massachusetts in a uniquely personal way, whether they are attending a global tournament, a community watch party, or a regional championship,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “This fund helps us welcome visitors, elevate local destinations, and share the stories of the people and places that make Massachusetts special. These events create lasting connections and help raise the profile of communities across the state as destinations worth exploring.”
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm. Applicants can visit MOTT’s online application portal to review program guidelines and eligibility requirements, and to submit an application. An optional, informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:00am. Register here.
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