UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (June 30, 2005) - Penn State All-Sports Museum Director Lou Prato has announced that the museum and gift shop will be open on July 4th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Penn State all-Sports Museum, which is approaching 110,000 visitors, is normally closed on Mondays, but it will be open in conjunction with the activities scheduled for other activities going on in and around the Bryce Jordan Center for the 4th of July celebration. Its normal hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. on Sundays.
The museum honors the student-athletes and coaches through Penn State history who have helped Penn State's Intercollegiate Athletics program emerge and remain one of the nation's best. Exhibits highlight the success of 32 varsity men's and women's sports, including three that no longer have varsity status - boxing, bowling and rifle.
The museum is located in the southwest corner of Beaver Stadium, adjacent to the museum gift shop operated by the Penn State Book Store. A canopy leading from Curtin Road marks the museum entrance.
There are two floors of exhibition space in the 10,000 square foot facility, with indoor sports occupying the second floor and outdoor sports on the first floor.
Admission to the museum is free, but visitors need to obtain a souvenir ticket at the museum reception desk for entry into the exhibits.
Central Pennsylvanians will have plenty of entertainment options for the Fourth of July with a host of family-oriented activities taking place at The Bryce Jordan Center culminating in an explosive display of fireworks at Beaver Stadium.
The Jordan Center is featuring the 10th annual Sovereign Bank Family Playground, where a variety of new rides including a Giant Shark Slide, Monkey Bounce, Lady Bug Bounce, Jurassic Adventure, Tiki Rock Climb, Western Round Up Obstacle Course, Seaplay Children's Center and the Scooby Doo 5 in 1 Play Center, beckon youngsters. A number of old favorites will be available. The Centre County Kid ID Program, sponsored by State College Police in partnership with Centre County local law enforcement agencies and the Fraternal Order of Police, also will be on hand.
All rides and games will require only one ticket per activity. Tickets cost $1 each. All-access ride passes will also be available for only $9.50. The Playground will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Admission to The Bryce Jordan Center is free. A variety of food concessions will be available.
Meanwhile over at fireworks central, an evening of activities will lead up to the main event --- the Central PA 4th Fest's 40-minute fireworks display will kick off at 9:20 p.m. About 80,000 people are expected to watch from the parking areas surrounding the stadium while thousands more will be gathered on high points throughout the region to watch the display. More than 11,000 shells will be launched during the show, which is choreographed to music broadcast simultaneously on radio station 93.7 The Bus and televised live on WJAC. The event is billed as the country's largest all-volunteer fireworks display.
On July 4, the celebration kicks off with Firecracker 4K race in the morning, followed by a variety of children's activities, musical performances, a magic show by Penn State President Graham B. Spanier, an apple pie contest, a climbing wall, demonstrations by a Civil War re-enactment group and visits from strolling historical characters. Activities begin at 4 p.m. and take place in Lot 44, the Jordan Center's Founders Lot and nearby grassy areas. For the full schedule of activities as well as parking information, check www.4thfest.org
