Bryce Jordan Center

The Bryce Jordan Center played host to a sell-out crowd vs. Minnesota on Feb. 8, 2020, for “Everyone is Awesome Day.” Located on the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University, the Bryce Jordan Center is central Pennsylvania’s premiere sports and entertainment facility. The 15,000+ seat arena is the only facility of its size in the region and is home to the Penn State Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division I Basketball Teams.

Located next to the University’s 106,572 seat Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center has a bi-level design, which gives it a lower profile and complements the curve of nearby landmark Nittany Mountain. Architect Rosser International Inc. of Atlanta came up with the plan, which incorporates brick and glass, helping to retain some of the university feel while taking advantage of a spectacular view.

Since its opening in 1996, the arena has hosted top-name performers in the music entertainment industry as well as family shows, sporting events, and commencements. In addition to arena bowl events, the Bryce Jordan Center’s flexible meeting space can accommodate meetings, training sessions, conferences, trade shows, banquets and more.The Nittany Lions earned their first win in the new building on January 11, 1996. Over the last five years, with the support of spirited alumni, fans and the Legion of Blue student section, Penn State men’s basketball has posted two of its best home win totals.

VIP boxes, a top-of-the-line computer controlled rigging system, meeting and function rooms and the goal of a “Disneyland atmosphere” when it comes to customer service was designed to help make the Bryce Jordan Center a showpiece among other university and multipurpose facilities, as well as enhance the game-day experience for basketball fans. In 2018, The Bryce Jordan Center was recognized globally as it was ranked second in the world in concert and event tickets sold among university venues.

The popular venue recently completed a major renovation with the installation of a state-of-the-art adaptive sound system by Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). The system, which uses 3D modeling to direct sound to all areas of the arena, is only being used in two other arenas – both NBA facilities – at this time.

Because of its high quality, this adaptive sound technology was used on Tom Petty’s final tour, and is currently being used in several Broadway theaters. Additional speakers were also added under the scoreboard to enhance the sound on the floor.

The facility has hosted NBA preseason games, family shows, commencements and lectures, as well as some of the top name performers in the entertainment industry. Country superstar Garth Brooks’ 2015 comeback world tour shows at the BJC sold out in just three minutes, becoming the fastest sellout in the arena’s history.

Other performers who have appeared recently at the Jordan Center include the Jonas Brothers, Luke Bryan, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, The Weeknd, Janet Jackson, Elton John, Kevin Hart and Metallica.

Penn State celebrated the 25th year in the Bryce Jordan Center’s history in 2021 and the Nittany Lions earned their 250th win inside the BJC on Nov. 28, 2020 when the Nittany Lions defeated VMI 86-65.