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NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT TO AGAIN SHINE ON LEHIGH VALLEY
Allentown, PA (October 14, 2020) – The NCAA announced today that the Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship Regional has been awarded to PPL Center and Penn State University for the 2022, 2023, and 2025 seasons.
PPL Center and Penn State University will host the following championships:
NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Regional – March 25-26, 2022
NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Regional – March 24-26, 2023*
NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Regional – March 28-30, 2025*
*The exact competition dates of the two-day Regionals to be announced
In April of 2017, PPL Center was first selected to host the 2018 and 2019 Championship Regionals, and was later announced to host the 2020 Regional as well before it was ultimately cancelled as a result of COVID-19. “We have built incredible relationships with the NCAA and Penn State Athletics over the years and are thrilled for the privilege to host three more Regional tournaments with them,” said Spectra’s Gunnar Fox, Vice President & General Manager of PPL Center. “The Lehigh Valley has shown immense support to our past Regionals at PPL Center and we look forward to providing the same unforgettable college hockey experience to our fans, the NCAA, and the competing teams in the years ahead. It is especially exciting to share this outstanding news and positive outlook on the future as we continue to navigate this challenging year as a community.”
“Penn State is looking forward to once again hosting four of the best teams in college hockey in 2022, 2023 and 2025,” commented Assistant AD Michael Cross, who oversees the men’s hockey program. “We’re looking forward to presenting a highly memorable experience for the athletes and coaching staffs. The NCAA Hockey Committee’s selection of Penn State to host three regionals at the PPL Center recognizes the strong partnership and hard work of many during our previous opportunities to host in Allentown and shows Penn State’s commitment to compete at the highest level. College hockey fans across Pennsylvania and in the surrounding region can expect a top-notch environment when we extend Hockey Valley to the Lehigh Valley.”
This is the third time for this specific NCAA championship bid process, which created the largest host site announcement ever, spanning 86 championships across a four-year cycle. Previously, selection announcements varied by sport. This process now gives the NCAA and host sites more time to plan each championship experience. Bidding for 86 of 90 NCAA championships began in August 2019 and more than 3,000 bid applications were ultimately submitted. Each sport committee, per division, selected the host sites it believed would provide the ultimate experience for the respective student-athletes. More than 54,000 student athletes compete in NCAA championships each year.
For exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and announcements, follow us at @PPLCenter. To receive advance notice, exclusive presales, and special offers to future events, fans can join the free PPL Center Cyber Club by clicking here.
PPL Center (pplcenter.com) is a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue in downtown Allentown, PA. The arena seats more than 10,000 for concerts and more than 8,500 for Lehigh Valley Phantoms professional hockey games, making it the region’s largest events venue. The amenities-packed PPL Center hosts more than 150 events each year, offering something for everyone, including the Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers, live concerts, family shows, trade shows, figure skating events, youth sports, high school and collegiate events, Disney on Ice, conferences, graduations and many more events. PPL Center is currently the main catalyst to the revitalization and growth of downtown Allentown. Spectra provides the Venue Management, Food Services and Hospitality, and Partnerships divisions at PPL Center.
Information provided to TVL by:
Katie Nork
Director of Marketing
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
