By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated attendance restrictions have posed significant challenges for racetracks and other live entertainment operators. Even as stay-at-home orders were lifted, many states placed restrictions on the sizes of gatherings that continue to impact the operations of entertainment businesses, including racetracks. While Congress recently created a $15 billion grant program to assist live entertainment and performing arts venues that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 shutdown orders and occupancy restrictions, the U.S. Small Business Administration determined that racetracks and many other forms of live entertainment were not eligible to apply for grants through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program. SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry have formed a coalition in partnership with other groups that were left out of the SVOG program to advocate for Congress to create a grant program to help recreation, sports, and amusement live venues that have experienced significant revenue declines.
It is important that members of Congress hear from SEMA members about the importance of providing financial support to racetracks. To send a letter to your lawmakers in Washington, D.C., please click here.
For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.