Penn State’s big investment in new sports facilities is an investment in the Happy Valley economy

By Holly Riddle (Happy Valley Industry) September 24, 2024 - According to the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance, “In the aggregate, sports events and associated activity generate an annual economic impact of $417 million within Centre County, supporting 4,315 jobs with $133 million in employee compensation. Impacts of this economic activity within Pennsylvania are $467 million.” 

The Alliance also noted that, as of a 2024 study:

• Penn State football home games are the biggest drivers of sports economic impact, generating $87M in visitor spending and accounting for about 890,000 out of Centre County’s annual 1.7M attendees. 

• Other Penn State athletic events draw 666,500 attendees, while countywide events at venues such as Nittany Valley Sports Centre, C3 Sports, Centre Region Parks and Recreation facilities attract 150,000 people annually.

• Sporting event visitor spending totaled $102 million — $17 million of which came from non-campus events — and generated a total of $149 million in total economic impact for the county.

With such a major economic impact, it’s no surprise that myriad sports facilities around University Park are receiving a facelift — or new life completely — this year and in the coming years. 

According to Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft, “Penn State’s investment in these athletics facilities will continue to have a positive impact on the Centre Region community. The ability for our facilities to host events beyond our intercollegiate athletics events will have an economic impact for our local community far beyond the seven football home weekends per year. The investments we are making in our facilities will enhance the fan experience with improved concessions, restrooms and circulation.”