Centre County tourism tops $1B a year as new partnerships, venues continue to grow

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — In Centre County, various economic studies are showing that local tourism has already generated more than a billion dollars a year for the county’s economy, and new developments this year are expected to increase that figure.

One of those developments in tourism growth is a longtime fall fixture as Beaver Stadium has now become a multi-use facility.

Despite the cold weather last month, more than 80 thousand were on hand for Penn State’s first outdoor hockey game.

“We are hoping for more concerts; maybe an NHL series, and who knows, maybe someday a pro football pre-season game.”

Fritz Smith heads the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau -- promoting tourism in Centre County.