Direct Visitor Spending

As any person working at a university can confirm, universities are substantial visitor destinations.  These visitors come to see employees and students who are friends and family, and when they are from out-of-state they bring with them spending in the Pennsylvania economy for accommodations, gifts, services and other items during their stay. 
In 2003, out-of-state visitors to Penn State generated more than
$632 million in the Pennsylvania economy.

There are over 2 million direct visitors to State College/Penn State each year, attracted to the market by academic and administrative conferences; college sporting events (football, men & women basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc), a minor league baseball team; entertainment at Bryce Jordan Arena; significant University social weekends; summer sports camps and cultural events. By 2009, the visitors economic impact will be over $425 million (lodging $42 million, restaurants $120 million, entertainment $55 million and merchandise $170 million).