UPCOMING EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN HAPPY VALLEY THIS SUMMER

Photo of cyclists

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - It’s going to be a busy summer of events in Happy Valley! With a long line up of events in the upcoming months, the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance relies on the help of volunteers to make these events possible. Here’s a look at what’s coming up and how you can get involved as a volunteer!

Rothrock by UTMB™ is the newest stop of the UTMB World Series. The event will take place in Rothrock State Forest on May 16-17, 2026. This race will be of huge benefit to the Happy Valley region for a number of reasons. The event will work to honor Rothrock’s heritage, but it will also bring an incredible trail running experience to our area. Rothrock by UTMB™ offers a variety of volunteer positions for community members who are interested in getting involved, with no prior experience needed! Some positions available include course setup, directing runners on the trail, welcoming athletes at the finish line, trail work, food wranglers, and several others. There’s a role for everyone!

SEE HER WIN lacrosse photo

SEE HER WIN is another upcoming event, taking place May 22-23, 2026. This is a multi-sport festival designed to bring teams from across the region together for a weekend of competition and community. It works to inspire and empower female athletes. This event will help to build community in Happy Valley, while also championing young girls who are involved in sports. Keep an eye out for volunteer sign ups on our website!

Photo from IRONMAN event

On June 14, 2026, Happy Valley will be the host of the IRONMAN 70.3 PA HV North American Championship. Athletes will complete the triathlon across the region, seeing sights like the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, the rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, and the campus at Penn State University, including Beaver Stadium. This event will be monumental for the region, bringing athletes and visitors from all over to Happy Valley. There are a number of volunteer opportunities available, including athlete check-in, aid stations, gear checks, environmental crew, information booth, water stations, and several others.

Photo from State Games of America Opening Ceremony

Lastly, the State Games of America will be from July 28-August 2, 2026. This is an Olympic-style event with competitions between State Games medal winners from all over the country. This means that athletes and visitors from across the nation will visit Happy Valley for the event. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and available for a minimum commitment of one shift. Positions include athlete check-in, hospitality, photography, venue support and operations, as well as many others. All volunteers will get an official t-shirt, a credential pass for entry to all sporting events, access to the Opening Ceremonies, and the ability to be a part of a historic national event right here in Happy Valley.

Why should you volunteer in your community? Volunteering has a number of positive benefits, both physically and mentally. The Mayo Clinic found that volunteers report better physical health than nonvolunteers. And because the work of volunteers is essential to operations, many volunteers feel a sense of purpose. In fact, older volunteers experience greater increases in life satsfaction and self-esteem due to the work they contribute. If you’re looking to get involved with volunteering, the HVSEA has many positions where your unique skills will be utilized to help us put on the best possible events this summer. There’s a spot for every age and ability!

Have an idea for another blog post? Email us at info.sea@happyvalley.com‍