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

By Holly Riddle

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.”

So what can you expect at each? 

Beaver Stadium

The project most in the limelight, of course, has been Beaver Stadium.

“As you look specifically at the Beaver Stadium revitalization project, 75% of material procurement and labor has been from Pennsylvania to date. The project will continue until 2027 and the labor force alone will have a $15 million economic impact. There will be 400–450 workers will be on site daily at the peak of the project and there will be 800–1,000 unique tradespeople working in the summer of 2025 and 2026,” said Kraft. 

The project is expected to be fully complete prior to the start of the 2027 football season. For all the up-to-date information, look to gopsusports.com/beaverstadiumrenovation.

The Indoor Practice Bubble

According to Penn State, this $9.8 million project will offer extra practice facilities for varsity athletic. Construction began in August, with the anticipated completion of the turf pitch in May 2025. The bubble (air supported structure) will be installed over the pitch in late fall 2025, to be used in the winter and early spring each year. The field is expected to be used year-round, but only covered by bubble in the late fall to early spring.

Jeffrey Field Soccer Complex

Construction for this $21.25 million project also began this fall, with completion anticipated in fall 2025. According to Penn State Athletics, “The project aims to modernize soccer experience for all involved, including athletes, coaches and fans. The fan experience will not change this fall season. But next fall, fans can expect concessions, indoor bathrooms, entry plazas and more. Improves fan experience and allows for the ability to host events at the facility.”

Greenburg Indoor Sports Center

A $31.9 million project, the Greenburg Indoor Sports Center will, when completed in summer of 2025, newly offer a food services athletic training table, as well as a wellness and athletic training center for 800-plus student-athletes. 

Recently Completed Projects

 

Penn State Field Hockey Complex  

The construction team put the final touches on the upgraded facility ahead of the home opener this fall. The $12.8 million project included upgrades, improvements and additions encompassing dressing areas, a locker room space of officials, ticket office, public restrooms, concession areas, press and media boxes and a television broadcast booth. 

Bryce Jordan Center

This summer, work has been done to renovate the 1855 Club event space, previously known as the Founder’s Room, as well as the beginning of phased suite renovations. Fans will also see a second check-out free concession location, featuring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, similar to the BJC’s Pick & Roll concession stand.

19^th Hole Café at Walker Clubhouse 

Completed last year, the 19^th Hole Café enhanced the customer experience and expanded available services at the Walker Clubhouse. So far it has been well received, with Trivia Nights being a highlight among patrons. 

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 

Initially spearheaded in part by the State College Spikes in an effort to meet new MLB standards, upgrades at the baseball field were multifaceted, with the most noticeable to fans being the new high-definition video board that is approximately 5x larger than its predecessor, new LED on-field lights and a fully replaced (and slightly reconfigured) outfield wall. 

Holly Riddle is a freelance lifestyle and business journalist. She can be reached at holly.ridd@gmail.com.