Bryce_Jordan_Center_A_18_OSU_MS_1790_sa The Nittany Lions rolled over the No.8 Buckeyes, 79-56 in front of 10, 000 plus Whiteout fans in the Bryce Jordan Center on Feb.15, 2018. Photo by Mark Selders

Bryce Jordan Center

Even though one of the worst winters in Penn State history set initial construction back several months, this state-of-the-art, 400,000 square foot multipurpose building, the Bryce Jordan Center, became reality on January 6, 1996.

Sports

Men's and Women's Basketball

Capacity

15,261
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127 Bryce Jordan Center

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Funded through state and private dollars at a cost of $55 million

This versatile center was designed to to be a major source of athletic, academic, conference and entertainment in Central Pennsylvania for decades to come

The Jordan Center accommodates a variety of groups and events, from a 20-person meeting to a banquet for 1,600 to a concert with 15,000 guests.

With the groundbreaking in 1993 and with the help of a mild winter in 1995 and two years of construction, the Nittany Lions earned their first win in the new building on January 11, 1996. In 2017-18, with the support of spirited alumni, fans and the Legion of Blue student section, Penn State men’s basketball added 15 more home wins to their total.

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In addition to being home to Nittany Lion and Lady Lion basketball, the Jordan Center has played host to the top names in the entertainment industry. 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 center, built adjacent to the University’s 106,572 seat Beaver Stadium, 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.

The quantities of materials used in the construction were staggering: 3,100 tons of structural steel, 26,000 cubic yards of concrete and 5,600 tons of precast concrete (seating). The highest point from the floor to the roof is 126 feet.

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.

Bill McKinnon

“From a university standpoint this gives us a facility to use for university functions and athletics,”

Bill McKinnonVice-president for Business and Operations

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.

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