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Since opening in 1996, the Bryce Jordan Center has served as one of two indoor homes for Penn State Athletics and is one of the nation's leading collegiate multipurpose arenas. Home to Penn State men's and women's basketball, the 15,000-plus seat venue also hosts Nittany Lion wrestling's marquee duals, NCAA and Big Ten championships, and numerous university and community events throughout the year. 

Continuous investments in fan amenities, premium seating, technology, and athlete support spaces have kept the facility at the forefront of the collegiate game-day experience. Located adjacent to West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium in the heart of Penn State's athletics campus, the Bryce Jordan Center remains a cornerstone of Nittany Lion athletics, bringing together championship competition, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments for three decades-plus.

BJC Exterior View (19-BJC Exterior-MS) 9880 Opens in a new window
BJC THON Game (24-Minn-MS) 18372 Opens in a new window
WBB Locker Room (25-MS) 6715 Opens in a new window
MBB Lounge (25-MS) 6728 Opens in a new window
MBB Nutrition Bar (25-MS) 6710 Opens in a new window
Basketball Weight Room (20-MS) 5775 Opens in a new window
Basketball Training Room (20-MS) 5779 Opens in a new window
Basketball Training Room (20-MS) 5782 Opens in a new window
BJC Practice Gym (19-BJC-MS) 0669 Opens in a new window

Facts & Figures

Year Opened1996

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 became reality on January 6, 1996.

Original Building Cost$55M

Penn State's multi-purpose indoor home, named after former university President Bryce Jordan, was constructed at an initial cost of $55 million.

Square Footage400K

The venue features a 15,000-plus seat multi-purpose indoor venue, athletic facilities for training and recovery, event spaces and departmental offices.

Capacity15,261

The venue features a standard capacity of 15,261, with the ability to expand beyond that depending on arena configuration and usage.

Attendance Record16,006

Penn State wrestling's dual meet against the Ohio State Buckeyes on February 13, 2026, set the venue's attendance record as well as the NCAA's wrestling indoor attendance record.

Bryce Jordan Center (A-23-NEB-MS) 8714 (1)
Bryce Jordan Center (26-UM-MS) 19055
Bryce Jordan Center (26-OSU-MS) 30809 (2)
BJC_Wrestling (25-MU-MS) 17091
Pink Zone (A-20-Illini-MS) 6667
Pink Zone Halftime (A-19-MU-CH)10261

Through the Years: Bryce Jordan Center

From its construction in the 1990s, renovations throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and unforgettable moments for many years to come, follow along with the history of the Bryce Jordan Center,
Groundbreaking and ConstructionApril 7, 1993

Groundbreaking and Construction

Penn State officially broke ground on the Bryce Jordan Center, launching construction of a $55 million, 400,000-square-foot arena adjacent to West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. The project represented one of the largest capital investments in university history and was designed to replace Rec Hall as the home of Penn State basketball while serving as a multipurpose athletics venue.

Grand Opening and Inaugural Basketball GameJanuary 6, 1996

Grand Opening and Inaugural Basketball Game

The Bryce Jordan Center opened on January 6, 1996, with winter commencement before quickly transitioning into its role as the permanent home of Penn State men's and women's basketball. The opening marked a new era for Penn State Athletics, providing modern locker rooms, premium seating, expanded fan amenities, and a 15,261-seat capacity.

THON Moves to the BJC2007

THON Moves to the BJC

THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, officially outgrew its old home in Rec Hall and migrated across campus to the BJC in 2007. The move allowed attendance to expand dramatically and helped accommodate the continued growth of one of Penn State's most iconic events, making the BJC one of the defining annual homes of the Four Diamonds fundraising effort.

Arena and Fan Experience EnhancementsLate 2010s

Arena and Fan Experience Enhancements

The Bryce Jordan Center completed one of its most significant facility upgrades with the installation of a state-of-the-art adaptive sound system, a technology used in only a handful of professional venues at the time. The project improved the in-game atmosphere for basketball, wrestling, and other athletic events while enhancing the overall fan experience.

Attendance Records Fall, History Continues2021-Present

Attendance Records Fall, History Continues

Penn State wrestling established a new Bryce Jordan Center attendance record when 16,006 fans packed the arena for a dual meet against Ohio State on February 13, 2026. The event underscored the building's evolution beyond any one sport into serving as one of the premier multi-purpose venues in the nation, regularly hosting NCAA Championships, Big Ten Championships, concerts and other special events.

Additional Links & Information

Men's Basketball

Men's Basketball Home Page

Women's Basketball

Women's Basketball Home Page

Wrestling

Wrestling Home Page

Location

Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA 16802
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