What Would Penn State Hosting A College Football Playoff Game mean for the Local Economy?

The student section cheers as Penn State football coach James Franklin faces his team before they run onto the field for the the game against Indiana at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com

By Josh Moyer - February 29, 2024 (Centre Daily Times)

STATE COLEGE —Centre County is no stranger to hosting events that attract visitors from all corners of the commonwealth. From historic summer fairs and musicians’ national tours, to Penn State commencement and related university events, you never have to flip the calendar too far without finding something worth circling.

But, when it comes to drawing the biggest crowds, football remains king in Happy Valley. And, when it comes to separating out-of-towners from their wallets, studies show no event boosts the local economy quite like a Penn State football home game.