Research & Insights

Centre County Pennsylvania reached a record 5 million person-trips in 2023, according to a visitor volume study conducted by Longwood's Travel USA. This marks the early achievement of a visitation goal set for the end of 2024 and demonstrates that visitation to Happy Valley, PA remains on a strong trajectory.

Sports event generate an annual economic impact of nearly $417 million within Centre County, supporting 4,315 jobs with $133 million in employee compensation. The statewide impact of sporting events in Happy Valley is $467 million. In fall 2021, the HVAB commissioned an Econsult Solutions, Inc. study to quantify the aggregate impact of sports events and associated activity in Centre County, both Penn State University and non-Penn State athletic events. 

In fall 2021, the HVAB commissioned an Econsult Solutions, Inc. study to quantify the aggregate impact of sports events and associated activity in Centre County, both Penn State University and non-Penn State athletic events.

Arts, culture, and entertainment are impacting the Centre County economy in big ways, according to the results of a new study commissioned by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA).

Conducted by EConsult Solutions, the study quantifies the current economic impacts from arts, entertainment, and cultural events; associated visitor activity; and employment within and operations of the county’s creative industries.

Centre County Pennsylvania reached a record 5 million person-trips in 2023, according to a visitor volume study conducted by Longwood's Travel USA. This marks the early achievement of a visitation goal set for the end of 2024 and demonstrates that visitation to Happy Valley, PA remains on a strong trajectory.