By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
SEMA, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and 17 other organizations representing live recreation and amusement venues sent a letter asking the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand the Shuttered Venues Operator Grant (SVOG) program to include motorsports, horse racing, recreation events and mobile amusement. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated attendance restrictions have posed significant challenges for racetracks and other live entertainment operators, as many states have placed restrictions on the sizes of gatherings that continue to impact the operations of entertainment businesses. SEMA and PRI are focused on helping racetracks, as they play an important role in providing entertainment and a sense of community across the United States.
Congress created the $16.25 billion SVOG program to assist live entertainment and performing arts venues that have experienced significant revenue declines as a result of COVID-19 attendance restrictions. However, the SBA did not include racetracks and many other forms of live entertainment in the list of groups that are eligible to apply for grants.
The Coalition is asking the SBA Administrator to reconsider its eligibility guidance for the SVOG program. SEMA and PRI are also working with Congress to amend the SVOG through legislation to include recreation, sports and amusement live venues. It is important that members of Congress hear from SEMA members about 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.