‘We Want to Welcome You.’ Eric Engelbarts Leads Alliance in Bringing Major Events to Happy Valley

Eric Engelbarts of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance

By Mark Brackenbury (State College.com) May 2, 2024 — It’s no secret that Penn State football is a key driver of the region’s economy, generating a $12 million boost on big weekends.

But there are many weeks each year when there is no major event like a home football game, graduation or parents weekend to fill the region’s hotels and restaurants. 

That’s where Eric Engelbarts comes in.

Engelbarts just finished his first year as executive director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. The alliance was launched last year by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to bring more events here, increase the area’s visibility and boost the economy.

“It’s kind of an abstract concept: What do we do?” Engelbarts says with a laugh. “Ultimately, it’s representing Happy Valley and our region nationally, to be able to raise our hand and say, ‘We want to welcome you to our community.’ And as you welcome these events in the community, they bring money. That helps our lodging industries, that helps our restaurants, that helps small business.”

Engelbarts attends trade shows that aim to match events with destinations. If there is a fit (dates are particularly important in this relatively small community, to avoid conflicts), the alliance works with event organizers to line up venues, and volunteers if needed, and to ensure that participants have a good experience here.

Engelbarts came to State College in April 2023 after leading the Michigan Sports Alliance, where he created the State Games of Michigan, which hosted 10,000 participants in more than 50 sports.

Among other efforts, Engelbarts in mid-March was closing in on a bid to bring 8,000 to 12,000 athletes to Happy Valley in 2026 for the State Games of America.

Engelbarts and Jake Morelli, the alliance’s sports services manager, are also gearing up to help the region host the Ironman 70.3 triathlon scheduled for June 30. Last year’s inaugural event here drew 2,400 athletes from 42 states and eight countries, generating an estimated $4.4 million in economic impact for the region.