Centre County will welcome than 1,000 high-school student athletes, coaches and athletic administrators for the PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival Thursday, June 13 through Saturday, June 15. This marks the second year of the four-year commitment with the PIAA.
“As year two commences, the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, in collaboration with Penn State University and Centre County, proudly announces the return of the PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival,” HVSEA Executive Director Eric Engelbarts said “Following the success of the inaugural event, we eagerly anticipate building upon that momentum, showcasing the warmth and camaraderie that define Happy Valley.”
Over the course of three days, 36 high schools from across Pennsylvania will compete for state championships in five sports: baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse and boys’ volleyball. Among them will be one Centre County team, as the Bald Eagle Area baseball team looks to defend its 2A title against Tri-Valley at 10:35 a.m. Thursday at Medlar Field.
“As we enter the second year of our Spring Sports Festival, PIAA would like to thank the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, Penn State Athletics and the State College Spikes, for their assistance and cooperation,” PIAA Executive Director Robert A. Lombardi said. “We had a great start last year and this year’s matchups and schools will further highlight the highest levels of interscholastic athletic competition. We are anxiously awaiting this week’s championships.”
Engelbarts said the consolidated format would enhance the camaraderie among participants, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the tournament.
“We invite the Centre County community and regional sports fans to support these athletes by attending the games and matches throughout the weekend,” he said.
Penn State and Happy Valley will continue to host the PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival through 2026.
“This long-term commitment underscores the region’s dedication to being a premier destination for marquee events and tournaments,” Engelbarts said. “The facilities at Penn State provide a perfect backdrop for the championships, offering top-notch venues for both players and spectators.”
PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival schedule:
- PIAA Baseball Championships (June 13-14) – Medlar Field at Lubrano Park: Three championship games per day.
- PIAA Softball Championships (June 13-14) – Beard Field: Three championship games per day.
- PIAA Boys’ Lacrosse Championships (June 15) – Panzer Stadium: Two championship games.
- PIAA Girls’ Lacrosse Championships (June 15) – Panzer Stadium: Two championship games.
- PIAA Boys’ Volleyball Championships (June 15) – Rec Hall: Two championship matches.
Detailed schedules and ticketing are available at www.piaa.org.
