Penn State to Host Historic Ice Hockey Doubleheader in Beaver Stadium

:

Penn State Hockey to Host Historic Game at Beaver Stadium

Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium will host its first-ever hockey game on January 31, 2026, as the Nittany Lions men’s and women’s teams hold a doubleheader. The men’s team will face rival, Michigan State, the two-time defending Big Ten tournament champion, while the women’s team will compete against Robert Morris University, a familiar foe from the Atlantic Hockey America conference.

School VP for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Patrick Kraft, hailed the event as a “historic moment” for Penn State Hockey, its fans, and the entire university community, emphasizing the excitement of bringing college hockey to the iconic beaver Stadium.

The announcement comes after years of consideration by the NHL for hosting an event at Beaver Stadium, with discussions around a potential game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. While facility challenges and financial concerns previously hindered these plans, the ongoing $700 million revitalization project of Beaver Stadium, expected to conclude in 2027, has rekindled the possibility.

NHL President of Content and Events, Steve mayer, expressed continued interest in Penn State, stating, “We’d love to talk at some point about Penn State. We said, ‘make us aware of your timeline.’ By no means have we committed to them, though we always think it’s attractive.”

Both the Penn State men’s and women’s hockey programs have experienced important success in recent years.The men’s team has reached the NCAA tournament four times as 2017, achieving a Frozen Four appearance last season, and the women’s team has secured three consecutive NCAA tournament berths. Adding to the excitement, the team recently welcomed highly-touted prospect Gavin McKenna, a consensus top pick in the upcoming NHL draft.

How does hosting “Frozen Valley” perhaps benefit Penn State’s athletic programs beyond the hockey teams?

A Frozen Revolution: Hockey Comes to Happy Valley’s Gridiron

penn State University is set to make history on February 21st, 2025, by hosting a groundbreaking ice hockey doubleheader at Beaver Stadium, the iconic home of Penn State football.This unprecedented event will feature the Penn State men’s and women’s ice hockey teams facing off against Big Ten rivals in an outdoor setting, transforming the football stadium into a winter wonderland for Penn State hockey fans. The event, dubbed “Frozen Valley,” promises a unique and thrilling experiance for attendees.

Event Details: What to Expect at Frozen Valley

The doubleheader is scheduled as follows:

1. Penn State Women’s Hockey vs. Minnesota: Puck drop at 3:30 PM ET.
2. Penn State Men’s Hockey vs. Michigan: Puck drop at 7:00 PM ET.

This isn’t just about watching college hockey; it’s about experiencing it in a wholly new way. Organizers are planning a festival-like atmosphere surrounding the games, including:

Ice Skating: Designated areas for public skating will be available.

Live Music: Performances throughout the day to keep the energy high.

Food & Beverage Vendors: A wide variety of concessions will be offered,including warming stations.

Fan Zones: Interactive areas with games and activities for all ages.

Merchandise: Exclusive “Frozen Valley” and Penn State Nittany Lions gear will be available for purchase.

The Logistics of Building an Ice Rink in Beaver Stadium

Creating a functioning ice rink within a football stadium is a massive undertaking. Here’s a breakdown of the key logistical challenges and solutions:

Refrigeration System: A state-of-the-art refrigeration system is being installed to freeze the ice surface. This involves miles of piping and a significant amount of coolant.

Ice Thickness: The ice will be built up in layers, aiming for a thickness of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches to ensure player safety and optimal skating conditions.

protection from the Elements: Wind barriers and potential coverings are being considered to mitigate the impact of wind and snow during the games.

Stadium Protection: Protective layers are being placed on the field to prevent damage from the refrigeration equipment and ice rink construction.

Timeline: The ice rink construction is expected to take approximately two weeks, beginning in mid-February.

Why Beaver stadium? The Rationale Behind the Venue Choice

beaver Stadium, with a capacity of over 106,000, provides a spectacular and unprecedented venue for Nittany Lions hockey. The decision to host the games there stems from several factors:

Increased Visibility: The larger venue allows for a substantially larger audience, boosting the profile of Penn State hockey programs.

Fan Experience: The atmosphere in Beaver Stadium is renowned, and organizers aim to translate that energy to the ice hockey games.

Revenue Generation: The event is expected to generate substantial revenue for the university and local businesses.

Unique Spectacle: Hosting a hockey game in a football stadium is a rare and memorable event, attracting national attention.

Ticket Information and Availability for Frozen Valley

Tickets for the “Frozen Valley” doubleheader went on sale to Penn State students and season ticket holders in November 2024.General public ticket sales began shortly after. Demand has been exceptionally high, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

Ticket Prices: Vary depending on seating location, ranging from $30 to $150 per game.

Ticket Packages: Options for purchasing tickets to both games are available.

Resale Market: Be cautious when purchasing tickets from resale markets to avoid fraudulent listings. Official resale platforms are recommended.

Accessibility: Accessible seating options are available; contact the Penn State ticket office for details.

The Impact on Penn State Athletics and the Local Community

This event is expected to have a significant positive impact on both Penn State Athletics and the surrounding State College community.

Boost for Hockey Programs: Increased exposure and revenue will benefit both the men’s and women’s hockey programs.

Economic Impact: The event is projected to generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the local area, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Community Engagement: “Frozen Valley” provides a unique chance for the Penn State community to come together and celebrate their shared spirit.

National Attention: The event will put Penn State and State College on the national map, attracting visitors and potential students.

Similar Outdoor Hockey Events: Precedents and Lessons Learned

Penn State isn’t the first to experiment with outdoor hockey. Several successful events have paved the way:

* NHL Winter Classic: The NHL’s annual outdoor game has become