STATE COLLEGE, Pa., November 7, 2001 -- The opening of the Penn State All-Sports Museum is rapidly approaching, with an anticipated opening in January, 2002.
"The Museum is shaping up very well and I know our fans are as anxious as I am to see our new museum and all of the outstanding memorabilia and historical pieces which will be on display," said Tim Curley, Director of Athletics.
The Penn State All-Sports Museum honors the student-athletes and coaches through history who have helped make Penn State's intercollegiate athletics program one of the best in the nation. 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 new museum gift shop operated by the Penn State Book Store. A long 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.
The lobby features a new sculpture of the Nittany Lion Mascot donated to Penn State by the Back The Lions booster group and a large display case holding all 56 National Championship trophies and plaques won by Penn State's athletic teams since 1921.
Curley said the formal opening of the museum will likely be held in conjunction with a weekend featuring athletic events on campus, with a specific date to be determined in the near future.
The museum will be open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. The museum will have special operating hours during home football weekends and other selected home athletic events.
