MEDIA

Happy Valley Music Series: Jim Messina with special guest Pure Prairie League
Rich Engler proudly presents Jim Messina and his band on Sunday July 28th at Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre. The show begins at 3 p.m. EST. Also starring on the same show is Pure Prairie League. Presented in part with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

Volunteer Opportunity: AJGA Junior Qualifier at Toftrees Golf Resort
Are you looking for a meaningful way to get involved in the community while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of State College? Look no further! The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior Qualifier is coming to Toftrees Golf Resort, and we need your help to make the event a success.

A national, Olympic-style event is coming to Happy Valley in 2026. What you should know
A national, Olympic-style event that takes place every other year is heading to Happy Valley in 2026. The State Games of America, which involve 30 states and more than 30 sports, will host their biennial six-day sporting event from July 28-Aug. 2, 2026, in Centre County at multiple venues to be determined.

Tussey Mountainback to unveil 100-mile ultramarathon
The Tussey Mountainback, a relay and ultramarathon footrace now in its 25th year and known for its signature 50-mile loop in Central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest, will introduce a 100-mile ultramarathon race option at this year’s event. The Tussey Mountainback race weekend is set for Oct. 25–27.

Happy Valley, PA to host 2026 State Games of America
Joined by officials from the National Congress of State Games and the Keystone State Games, HVSEA Executive Director Eric Engelbarts announced that Happy Valley would host the prominent athletic competition July 28-Aug. 2, 2026. The multi-sport Olympic-style sports festival for medal winners of National Congress of State Games-member events will bring more than 8,000 athletes and their supporters to compete in more than 30 sports.

Happy Valley Visitation Reaches 5 Million
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) made two significant tourism announcements at the HVAB’s annual State of Tourism Breakfast on July 9 at the Wyndham Garden State College. More than 140 people attended the annual event, which reinforced tourism’s role as an important economic driver in the county.

Marie Hardin named to Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance Board of Directors
The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) today announced the addition of Marie Hardin, Dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State, to its Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome Dean Hardin to Board,” said HVSEA Executive Director Eric Engelbarts. “Over the past year, we’ve developed an incredibly talented and respected group of individuals to guide the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance’s mission and vision forward. Today’s announcement cements a strong foundation of support.”
Building tradition with Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley
After a successful run in 2023, the Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley Triathlon will make a comeback to Centre County on Sunday, June 30, as part of a three-year contract with just one year remaining. However, if Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley continues to see major success and participation in the area, it could soon become an annual tradition in the area.

IRONMAN 70.3 PA HV Traffic Impacts
On Sunday, June 30, athletes will visit Happy Valley to test their physical and mental limits. They will complete a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run in succession. We appreciate your support and ask that you proceed with caution, utilize detour routes if able, and allow for additional travel time to your destination. Participants count on you for motivation on race day, so bring your friends and cheer them on, or even volunteer!

Happy Valley Highlights: Events to Enjoy During Your IRONMAN 70.3 PA HV Weekend
IRONMAN 70.3 PA Happy Valley returns to State College this weekend, but the race isn’t the only thing to explore! Dive into these exciting events happening throughout the weekend as we build up to race day!

Namastadium: Yoga on the Field Returns!
After a successful inaugural event, Namastadium is returning to Happy Valley! The event will feature a yoga class held on the Panzer Stadium field on Saturday, July 13. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and class begins at 9 a.m.

Join Our Team!
The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to join our team. This position will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication and coordination with the board of directors, managing financial records using QuickBooks, and providing general office support. The ideal candidate will be organized, proactive, and capable of handling multiple tasks efficiently.

Hospitality Asset Management Company breaks ground for new Tru by Hilton
Elected officials, and community and business leaders joined representatives of Hospitality Asset Management Company (HAMCO) today to break ground for HAMCO’s new Tru by Hilton. The 98-room hotel will be located next to G.M. McCrossin Inc. along the Benner Pike near the I-99 interchange between State College and Bellefonte.

PIAA Spring Sports Championships Festival Returns For Second Year
Happy Valley is gearing up to provide an unforgettable experience for more than 1,000 high-school student athletes, coaches and athletic administrators when it hosts the PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival June 13-15. This marks the second year of the four-year commitment with the PIAA.

Unlock Your Passion for Sports and Entertainment in Happy Valley. WE ARE… HIRING INTERNS!
If you’re a student or a recent graduate looking to dive into the dynamic world of sports and entertainment, look no further than the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA). Interning at HVSEA is more than just a steppingstone in your career; it’s an immersive experience that blends professional development, networking opportunities, and personal growth.

Happy Valley Improv Announces Summer Schedule
Friday, June 7 kicks off a jam-packed summer for Happy Valley Improv, State College’s premier longform improv company. Every Friday throughout the summer season, the company will host 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows at the Blue Brick Theatre located at 209 W. Calder Way in State College. These shows include company member group performances as well as showcases highlighting community members who have taken stand-up and improv comedy classes.
Help Make History: Volunteer for IRONMAN®70.3® PA HV!
Volunteering for IRONMAN®70.3® Pennsylvania Happy Valley isn't just about lending a hand – it's about joining a global community steeped in camaraderie and sportsmanship. As an integral part of the IRONMAN® family, you'll be united with a diverse and passionate group who share a love of sport and a desire to make a difference.

“People want to be in Happy Valley”
If you attended the recent Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest at Beaver Stadium, which attracted more than 3,000 attendees and 70 breweries, or perhaps the 2024 Olympic Wrestling Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center, then you’ve witnessed the work of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. Officially launched last year and helmed by executive director Eric Engelbarts, the Alliance’s aim is, in a way, to make the region a better place to live, work and play, and it does this by bringing world-class events to the area.

Recapping the Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest - A Celebration of Craft Beer and Community!
The Inaugural Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest took place on the field of the fifth largest stadium in the world, Beaver Stadium, on May 10, 2024. This event brought together beer connoisseurs and Penn State fans with an unforgettable experience. With 72 breweries and 3,000 attendees, Hoppy Valley marks a monumental moment on Penn State’s campus. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this unforgettable event!

Rising Star: The Story of the Youngest IRONMAN®70.3® Volunteer Captain
Born and raised in the heart of State College, Mackenzie Lee is a freshman at State College Area High School who's already making waves in the community through her dedication to volunteering.