December 18, 2001
University Park, Pa. –Whether it’s cheering on the Nittany Lions in athletic competition or ringing in the New Year in downtown State College, Happy Valley will offer plenty of activity during the winter break.
Fans can still come out to support the men’s and women’s basketball teams and wrestling team in several home contests through early January:
Penn State men’s basketball team:
- hosts James Madison at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19;
- hosts Bucknell at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22;
- hosts Michigan at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2.
Penn State women’s basketball team:
- hosts Clemson at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18;
- hosts Ohio State at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30.
Penn State wrestling team:
- hosts Pittsburgh and West Virginia at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5.
For tickets, call the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office at (800) 863-3336 or visit http://www.bjc.psu.edu/.
But sporting events won’t be the only entertainment this winter break. If you’re looking for a unique way to welcome the New Year, consider the 8th Annual First Night State College celebration from Sunday, Dec. 30 through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30 with the lighting of the fire sculptures in Central Parklet. The Fire Sculptures allow participants to burn away their old resolutions and provide a fun way to start 2002 with a clean slate.
Ice sculptures will be on display throughout the course of the event and will feature the Russian Ice Slide and Ice Throne as part of the largest ice sculpture display in the Commonwealth. New Year’s Eve events include a number of music, theatre and dance performances around town. Open ice-skating is also available from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Penn State Ice Pavilion. Runners are encouraged to grab their craziest costume and join in the 5K Resolution Run, the year’s last race, at 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. At midnight, a fireworks display will be lit at Memorial Field will usher in the New Year.
To join in the First Night State College fun, purchase your admission buttons at downtown locations and festival information and performance sites for $6. For more information on the program, contact Phil Walz at (814) 237-3682.
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Contact: Allison Kessler, Department of Public Information, (814) 865-7517 or akessler@psu.edu.
