A Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County ribbon cutting event provided an opportunity for local dignitaries to learn more about the newly opened Nittany Valley Sports Centre – a locally owned and operated indoor sports facility offering recreational and competitive sports activities, including skills training, leagues, and speed and agility classes.
The guest list included CBICC and Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau board members, business leaders, elected officials, and CBICC Ambassadors, who toured the 68,500-square-foot facility, and heard from owner/developer Michael Lee about current and future plans for the complex, The Centre’s customer base and reach, and the complex’s potential impact on the local economy and tourism.
“As we think of the traveling teams that are going to come here; the visitors that will overnight here and spend, and enjoy our community in so many ways, this is going to be great,” CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier said. “The Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a tremendous asset that not only better serves the recreational needs of Centre County residents, but that has the potential to generate an influx of dollars from outside the county to the benefit of local businesses and the overall economy.”
The guest list included CBICC and Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau board members, business leaders, elected officials, and CBICC Ambassadors, who toured the 68,500-square-foot facility, and heard from owner/developer Michael Lee about current and future plans for the complex, The Centre’s customer base and reach, and the complex’s potential impact on the local economy and tourism.
“As we think of the traveling teams that are going to come here; the visitors that will overnight here and spend, and enjoy our community in so many ways, this is going to be great,” CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier said. “The Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a tremendous asset that not only better serves the recreational needs of Centre County residents, but that has the potential to generate an influx of dollars from outside the county to the benefit of local businesses and the overall economy.”
Lee told the group that he got the idea for The Centre, as it is known, in 2012 while traveling with his daughter to competitive gymnastics meets across the country. He recognized the need for and potential of such a facility in Centre County.
Lee said The Centre – complete with a 20,000-square-foot indoor Puregrass® turf field, a 10,000-square-foot hard court area; and a 16,000-square-foot competitive gymnastics area, among other amenities – had a wonderful opening in February, with “literally thousands of faces” walking through the doors over the past four weeks.
“We’ve had a great response from the community,” he said, stressing that the Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a place for people of all ages.
Future plans for The Centre include bringing athletic tournaments to Centre County.
Lee acknowledged a number of individual and organizations that helped to make his vision a realty, including his “primary mentor and investor,” Dan Hawbaker, president and CEO of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., and Patton Township.
“Patton Township has been as good as a partner as you could imagine,” he said.
Delta Development was also recognized for its expertise and diligence in making the project a reality.
Lee said The Centre – complete with a 20,000-square-foot indoor Puregrass® turf field, a 10,000-square-foot hard court area; and a 16,000-square-foot competitive gymnastics area, among other amenities – had a wonderful opening in February, with “literally thousands of faces” walking through the doors over the past four weeks.
“We’ve had a great response from the community,” he said, stressing that the Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a place for people of all ages.
Future plans for The Centre include bringing athletic tournaments to Centre County.
Lee acknowledged a number of individual and organizations that helped to make his vision a realty, including his “primary mentor and investor,” Dan Hawbaker, president and CEO of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., and Patton Township.
“Patton Township has been as good as a partner as you could imagine,” he said.
Delta Development was also recognized for its expertise and diligence in making the project a reality.
In addition, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman was recognized for his role in securing a $1.5 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant in September 2018 for the construction of The Centre.
“As tournament play increases, the local economy will receive a boost from those traveling to participate in the activities offered here. At the same time, this is a place where our kids can stay active in league sports during the winter months without having to travel. It’s a win-win for our community,” Corman said. “Because of the year round training opportunities for kids and families, this investment of state funds in our community is having a significant positive impact on our local economy as the facility is ready to play host to a number of regional and national indoor tournaments.”
To learn more about The Nittany Valley Sports Centre, visit www.thecentrepa.com
“As tournament play increases, the local economy will receive a boost from those traveling to participate in the activities offered here. At the same time, this is a place where our kids can stay active in league sports during the winter months without having to travel. It’s a win-win for our community,” Corman said. “Because of the year round training opportunities for kids and families, this investment of state funds in our community is having a significant positive impact on our local economy as the facility is ready to play host to a number of regional and national indoor tournaments.”
To learn more about The Nittany Valley Sports Centre, visit www.thecentrepa.com
