Bryce Jordan Center Celebrates 25 Years: Sold-Out Shows, World-Class Performances, and Unforgettable Moments
Since opening its doors in 1996, the Bryce Jordan Center has hosted sold-out shows, record-breaking events, and electrifying crowds pulsing with excitement. Over 2,000 events—including star-studded performances by Garth Brooks and the Jonas Brothers, mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil productions, and THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy—have unfolded here. More than 16 million fans have forged lifelong memories at this iconic venue.
This year marks the Bryce Jordan Center's 25th anniversary, with big plans ahead. "We can't wait to return to buzzer-beaters, guitar solos, and kicking off the next chapter together," shares Kate Bean, director of marketing and public relations.
World-Class Performers
The Bryce Jordan Center blends the charm of Happy Valley with top-tier entertainment. Its versatile design ensures every event delivers a unique, unforgettable experience—for fans and artists alike.
In 1996, Tim McGraw borrowed a Jeep from a staff member to give Faith Hill a tour of Happy Valley. Years later, Hill told VH1 that their romance sparked on that spring day, sharing a Polaroid of them with the Bryce Jordan Center in the backdrop. The couple married later that year and now has three daughters.
Bruce Springsteen has praised the venue highly. The Bryce Jordan Center has welcomed a roster of global icons over 25 years, including Billy Joel, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Metallica, Amy Schumer, Elton John, Travis Scott, Cher, Kevin Hart, and more.
Record-Breaking Moments
Sold-out crowds are the norm, but standouts include Garth Brooks adding five extra shows. Metallica set the attendance record in 2018 with 15,588 fans, topping Backstreet Boys' 15,512 from 2000. Luke Combs shattered the fastest sell-out record last year, surpassing Luke Bryan.
Aerosmith recorded their live album A Little South of Sanity here in 1997—listen for Steven Tyler shouting "State College" in "Love in an Elevator." Backstreet Boys featured footage from their 2000 shows in the "The One" video. In 2003, Pearl Jam released the three-disc bootleg State College, Pennsylvania from their longest show ever.
The venue hosted Michael Jordan's basketball comeback in a 2001 preseason game with the Washington Wizards against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Since 2007, THON has raised $143 million over 14 years, solidifying its status as the top student philanthropy worldwide.
Moments That Take Your Breath Away
Beyond concerts, the arena has hosted WWE Live, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, monster truck rallies, and Penn State athletics.
Penn State men's and women's basketball have called it home since 1995-96. Wrestling highlights include a 2013 record crowd of nearly 16,000 vs. Pitt and a thrilling 2020 win over Ohio State before 15,995 fans.
During COVID-19, the 16,000-seat arena transformed into a distanced classroom for courses in chemical engineering, education psychology, nursing, psychology, nutrition, and Navy ROTC. It also served as a testing site and polling location.
As Happy Valley rebounds, the Bryce Jordan Center gears up for its 25th anniversary. The first full-capacity show is November 6, 2021, featuring Kane Brown's "Blessed & Free Tour."
"Celebration plans are underway with Kane Brown's November 6 date," says Kate Bean. "With restrictions easing and vaccinations rising, we're eager to welcome fans back for live entertainment soon!"
