STATE COLLEGE — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau secured over $93,000 in support of the 2024 Ironman triathlon, State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Center, announced on Friday, Nov. 15.
The funding came from the Department of Community and Economic Development, through the Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program.
The purpose of the account is to draw high-quality, amateur and professional sporting events to Pennsylvania. Any municipality, local authority, nonprofit organization or a legal entity that meets the program’s criteria is eligible to apply for grants.
“Major sporting events aren’t just exciting for our community, they’re also a great economic driver,” Takac said in a statement. “This summer’s Ironman triathlon in Centre County attracted more than 1,500 participants, families and supporters to appreciate all our region has to offer and to patronize local shops, restaurants and hotels.”
The exact amount granted to the HVAB was $93,055. It was cited that the money was granted in support of the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series in Centre County. The event injected $4,767,907 into the local economy.
“The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance are grateful to Governor Shapiro’s administration and Representative Paul Takac for their support of the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon,” Eric Engelbarts, executive director of Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance, said.
“This investment not only generates significant economic impact for our local businesses and broader community, but also highlights Centre County as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
The Ironman triathlon is scheduled to make its third appearance in Happy Valley in June 2025.
