It has been 281 home games since Penn State basketball fans last got their taste of Rec Hall basketball, and now in a few more months they can do it again.
Nittany Lion fans will finally get a chance for a trip back in time as the Nittany Lions will be taking on Princeton on Dec.14 in Rec Hall.
Head coach Patrick Chambers made the announcement on Wednesday alongside former coach Bruce Parkhill and athletic director David Joyner inside the Bryce Jordan Center media room.
“This is a very exciting day for our program, alumni and fans of Penn State basketball,” Chambers said. “I watched Penn State basketball in Rec Hall when I was younger, and it was electric. When I think of Rec Hall I think of passion, energy and tradition.
“We listened to our alums and fans and we wanted to bring that Rec Hall experience back. I’m very grateful to Dr. Joyner, the administration and my fellow coaches who currently occupy Rec Hall who have been incredibly cooperative in making this game a reality.”
Penn State last played in Rec Hall on Jan. 7, 1996 defeating Wisconsin, 79-50. The Nittany Lions then moved to their current home in the 15,261-seat Bryce Jordan Center the following game on Jan. 11, 1996 and posted a 76-51 victory over Minnesota.
“This is going to be a fantastic event that I know our fans have been eager to see for a long time,” Joyner said. “A lot of thought and preparation went into making a return to Rec Hall possible for Penn State basketball. I know our fans will enjoy the opportunity to recreate that incredible atmosphere and relive some of the great memories and tradition basketball created in a historic building.”
Tickets for the “Return To Rec” game vs. Princeton will be reserved seating and are not included in the 2013-14 basketball season ticket package. However, Nittany Lion season ticket holders and Penn State Hoops Club members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the game.
Fans who are members of the Hoops Club as well as season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to buy tickets starting on Sept. 10. All basketball season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets for the contest starting on Sept. 16.
Penn State has reserved up to 2,100 student seats along the sideline opposite the benches to help recreate the thunderous atmosphere of basketball in Rec Hall. Those student tickets will be made available first to student season ticket holders beginning in October. Additional information on the student ticket sale will be available in the coming weeks on GoPSUsports.com. The general public will be able to purchase tickets for the “Return To Rec” game beginning on Sept. 24.
