MEDIA
2024: A record-breaking year for tourism in Centre County. What’s next?
The tourism industry in Centre County broke records in 2024, and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is looking to keep up the momentum.

Happy Valley Sports Tourism Generates Over $29 Million in Economic Impact
STATE COLLEGE, PA - The 2024–25 fiscal year was a major win for sports tourism in Happy Valley. Over the 12-month span, the region hosted events that brought in 24,000+ athletes and 58,000+ spectators, resulting in an estimated 37,000 hotel room nights and over $20 million in direct visitor spending. Altogether, the total estimated economic impact surpassed $29 million.

Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest 2025 Entertainment Lineup Announced
STATE COLLEGE, PA - The Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest returns to State College on Saturday, July 19, 2025, and this year’s entertainment lineup is bringing the perfect mix of nationally recognized talent and local favorites. Headlining the festival is acclaimed singer-songwriter Channing Wilson, known for his raw, soulful sound and songwriting credits with artists like Luke Combs and Travis Tritt. His powerful storytelling and Southern roots promise a set you won’t forget.

Downtown State College is set to shift into high gear on July 26, as it hosts the inaugural State College Criterium Championship
STATE COLLEGE, PA - This exciting new event will bring high-level cycling to the heart of town, with the fast-paced format of a criterium race providing non-stop action for both participants and spectators. Unlike traditional long-distance cycling events, criteriums take place on short, closed-loop courses—perfect for urban centers like State College. Riders will complete numerous laps of a 0.7-mile circuit that winds through downtown streets, including East Beaver Avenue, South Pugh Street, East Foster Avenue, and South Garner Street.

Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest Returns July 19 with 75+ Breweries, Local Vendors and live music
STATE COLLEGE, PA - The Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest returns on Saturday, July 19, 2025. This year, the festival will be held at the Porter North Lot on Penn State’s campus, just steps from Beaver Stadium, creating a relaxed, tailgate-style atmosphere.

Your Centre County Summer Adventure Awaits
STATE COLLEGE, PA BY HOLLY RIDDLE - Happy Valley is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts — the hardest part is deciding what to do. Whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing, or birdwatching, Centre County offers it all, often just minutes from downtown State College.

Now Hiring Fall Interns at Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance
STATE COLLEGE, PA- The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) is now hiring interns for Fall 2025, and this is your chance to be part of something exciting happening right here in Centre County. Are you passionate about sports, live events, or bringing people together through unforgettable experiences? We’re looking for motivated, creative, and community-minded students who are ready to gain real-world experience in the sports and entertainment world.

Encouraging Youth Cycling: Free Kids Race at the State College Criterium
STATE COLLEGE, PA- The excitement of race day isn't just for the pros! As part of the high-speed action of the State College Criterium on Saturday, July 26, young cyclists will get their chance to shine in the Kids’ Race — a FREE and fun event that puts little riders on the big stage.

Volunteers Needed: Join the Fun This Summer in State College
STATE COLLEGE, PA- Summer in Happy Valley is packed with exciting events. From fast-paced bike races and lively beer festivals to top-level junior golf tournaments. Behind each of these memorable experiences is a dedicated team of volunteers who make it all possible. None of these events would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm help bring these experiences to life—whether you're guiding athletes, assisting guests, or working behind the scenes.
Happy Valley IRONMAN Sees Continued Support, New Course Records in 3rd Year
STATE COLLEGE, PA- Despite a rainy Father’s Day, more than 1,000 athletes and hundreds of cheering fans filled Penn State’s campus for the third annual Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley on June 15, 2025. The event challenged participants with a 70.3-mile course, starting with a 1.2-mile swim at Foster Sayers Reservoir, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run through campus.

2025 Rothrock Trail Challenge Draws Competitors from Across the Country
STATE COLLEGE, PA- On May 18, the Rothrock Trail Challenge returned to the rugged trails of Rothrock State Forest for the 13th consecutive year. Drawing runners from 11 states, including as far west as Colorado, participants tackled one of Pennsylvania’s toughest races.
Happy Valley recognized in 2024 Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards
By Danielle Blake STATE COLLEGE, PA— Happy Valley’s Ironman 70.3 race has earned national recognition, ranking third in Overall Satisfaction among all North American races in the 2024 Ironman Athletes’ Choice Awards.

‘814 Originals’ Shines a Spotlight on Centre County Musicians
By Geoff Rushton STATE COLLEGE, PA—A new project, 814 Originals, is celebrating Centre County’s vibrant music scene by pairing original local acts with unique downtown venues. The project kicked off with a concert and music video premiere at The State Theatre. 814 Originals is a collaboration between the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance and Spaces in Between Productions.
Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium Set for July
Competitive cycling is coming to downtown State College on July 26 with the first-ever Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium. Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the event will serve as the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championships for Elite and Masters divisions.
Criterium Cycling Championship Event Coming to Downtown State College
For the first time, Downtown State College will host a high-speed cycling event on July 26—the Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium, which also serves as the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championships for elite and masters divisions.

Fast-paced cycling event headed to downtown State College. What to know
For the first time, Downtown State College will host a high-speed cycling event on July 26—the Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium, which also serves as the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championships for elite and masters divisions. Downtown State College will host its first-ever criterium race on July 26 with the Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium, a USA Cycling-sanctioned event featuring a fast-paced, 0.7-mile closed loop through the heart of town.

814 Originals showcases local musical talent at State Theatre
By Lloyd Rogers STATE COLLEGE, PA—Downtown State College came alive on May 14 as the 814 Originals took over The State Theatre for a night of homegrown music, original stories, and powerful performances. The event, organized by the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of Centre County’s lively music scene.

Fast-paced cycling entertainment coming to Happy Valley, PA
The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) is set to bring fast-moving, competitive cycling to downtown State College on Saturday, July 26, with the first-ever Happy Valley Cycling State College Criterium.

BJC General Manager Al Karosas named instructor at esteemed Venue Management School
Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center general manager, Al Karosas has been appointed an esteemed role in the live entertainment industry - instructor at the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Venue Management School.

Volunteers Still Needed for 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley
Happy Valley, PA — The 2025 IRONMAN® 70.3® Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon is coming up fast, and while the athletes are training hard for race day, the event still needs a strong team of volunteers to make it all happen.