While buttoned-up academia and formal function spaces can be found in the State College area, planners will also find off-site venues that promote informal gatherings complete with casual surroundings and fun activities.
Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, home to Penn State athletics and Minor League Baseball’s State College Spikes, has several areas for group gatherings, including gardens, the ballpark concourse, a picnic area and a clubhouse.
“We offer a one-stop shop when it comes to planning events,” says Scott Walker, vice president of sales at the park. “Our spaces offer outstanding views, and the proximity of the venue to campus and all the attractions is top-notch.”
He adds that groups can count on the venue’s partner, Professional Sports Catering, to dish out F&B for events of any size, partake in fun on-field activities and use the video board for customized corporate messages.
The four-season Tussey Mountain, located in Boalsburg, Pa., offers an abundance of activities for groups to choose from as well as great views of Mount Nittany and the Happy Valley, according to Aaron Weyman, spokesman for the resort.
“Our lodge can accommodate groups of all sizes with both indoor and outdoor seating and party areas,” he says, adding that a large pavilion by the pond has seating for up to 150 people, paddleboats and horseshoe pits, while an on-site amphitheater stages festivals, concerts, outdoor movies and other events in the spring, summer and fall.
Also located on-site is the Fun Centre, which has go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, a skate park, a par-3 golf course, a driving range and a new double zipline.
“TeamWorks Inc. provides team-building exercises and learning components for business groups both indoors and out, with a low ropes course on-site for interactive participation,” Weyman says.
Marrara’s Mountain Lodge in Port Matilda, Pa., is a private, family-owned facility located in the mountains near State College. The facility enjoys a natural setting, including open grassy fields, a one-acre spring-fed pond and a gazebo, and the lodge itself sports a rustic ambience with exposed wood, ample floor space, a commercial kitchen and a sun deck.
Overall, Marrara’s Mountain Lodge is well-suited for groups that would enjoy mixing a casual banquet or reception with horseshoe and volleyball action on its grounds.
