Happy Valley is evolving from a place where stories are set into a place where stories are created, produced, and supported. Many aspects of the region positions it into a place where creativity is able to flourish, from the landscape and community to the authenticity of the area. In fact, the entire Happy Valley region is an emerging creative hub just waiting to be utilized.
Breaks in Penn State's academic calendar, including summer and spring break, bring historically low occupancy periods to Happy Valley, giving the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance the opportunity to fill those need periods with various events. However, there are some weekends that we never look to fill, and those are when there are Penn State Football home games.
State College, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Middle School State Basketball Championship has agreed to a contract extension to remain in Centre County through 2031. First hosted in the region in 2019, the event has experienced consistent growth over the years. With the tournament returning in 2026, approximately 184 girls’ teams and 300 boys’ teams are expected to travel to the area to compete, bringing coaches and families with them.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue bringing the Pennsylvania Middle School State Basketball Championship to Happy Valley through 2031,” said Tournament Director Bradley Laubacher. “The central location in State College makes it easy for teams from across PA to participate, and families truly enjoy the experience of visiting Happy Valley and being around Penn State. The people in State College and surrounding towns as well as the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance have been outstanding partners in helping us grow this event. Combined with some of the best facilities anywhere in the state, if not the country, it creates a first-class experience for our teams and families!”
Happy Valley is evolving from a place where stories are set into a place where stories are created, produced, and supported. Many aspects of the region positions it into a place where creativity is able to flourish, from the landscape and community to the authenticity of the area. In fact, the entire Happy Valley region is an emerging creative hub just waiting to be utilized.
Breaks in Penn State's academic calendar, including summer and spring break, bring historically low occupancy periods to Happy Valley, giving the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance the opportunity to fill those need periods with various events. However, there are some weekends that we never look to fill, and those are when there are Penn State Football home games.
State College, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Middle School State Basketball Championship has agreed to a contract extension to remain in Centre County through 2031. First hosted in the region in 2019, the event has experienced consistent growth over the years. With the tournament returning in 2026, approximately 184 girls’ teams and 300 boys’ teams are expected to travel to the area to compete, bringing coaches and families with them.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue bringing the Pennsylvania Middle School State Basketball Championship to Happy Valley through 2031,” said Tournament Director Bradley Laubacher. “The central location in State College makes it easy for teams from across PA to participate, and families truly enjoy the experience of visiting Happy Valley and being around Penn State. The people in State College and surrounding towns as well as the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance have been outstanding partners in helping us grow this event. Combined with some of the best facilities anywhere in the state, if not the country, it creates a first-class experience for our teams and families!”
