We've been to many events here from gymnastics to basketball to graduations to concerts. There's good and bad to it. Parking is a nightmare, no other way to explain how badly it's handled. Getting in, the bag policy is pretty common, a clear bag or a tiny wallet and then walk through a metal detector. They scan your ticket at the door and the madness of a 30-minute wait for a wristband to get alcohol and another half hour for the actual drink begins. Last night, we were there for a concert: From Ashes to New, Three Days Grace and Shinedown. We bought our tickets at the door for half the price they're offered for on-line. The lady in the ticket office was extremely knowledgeable about seating and recommended the sidestage area. The tee-shirt line took 20 minutes. By the time I got my shirt, it was time for the show to start. I could see perfectly from our seats. Hubby missed half the first band because of the chaos over what wristband was needed for a 50-year old man to have a beer. The music was incredible. The acoustics are perfection and you can literally feel the base hit your chest. The lighting has always been a problem there. They didn't consult a photographer. We'll still go back for events because we bleed Penn State blue and white, but hope they fix the chaos. read more

See all

Have attended multiple events and concerts at this location and every time I'm blown away at the lack of organization in addressing the flow of people. No alcohol sales for events also is a reason I consistently drive an extra three hours and get a hotel room to see a touring artist rather then in my own back yard. read more

Bryce Jordan Center - Stage area - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

I was attending my daughter's graduation ceremony and denied access with my service dogs. The G.M. expressed how his son was attacked and mauled by a service animal with scars on his face to justify his reason to deny us access. He asked me how my dog provided services what my reasons to uave a servi e animal was for then stated that my dogs were comfort animals when I clearly presented their service animal ID (exotic micro-bully and her grandma) They provide comfort while bringing anxiety levels down, for both my daughter ( who lost her mom) and I. Meanwhile a German Shepherd, Golden retriever, and other animals were granted access. I was forced to stay outside with my dogs, leave them in vehicle ( car and A.C.running ) while I watched my daughter walk and graduate. I missed 90% of the ceremony and this is a disgrace. I told the G.M. it was a personal and retaliatory choice he made not to let us in. The event Supervisor who was a gentleman, was going to make an exception prior to being overridden by the General Manager of the facility read more

See all

Nice venue. Starting to show it's age. But not that many things happening to make it run down. read more

Saw Metallica here on 10-20-18. Honestly, I think Metallica was too big of an act for this venue, and it seemed the staff here was unprepared for the crowd. It was pouring rain on the night we visited. It was extremely difficult to get into the actual parking lot. Took us about 40 minutes to move one mile. I think it was just very disorganized in terms of telling people where to go. Walk from the parking lot to the venue was about 15 minutes, and then had to deal with outside security which was annoying. The seats are really small and aisles are narrow. No frills to the seats- not even cupholders. I wasn't impressed by this venue. read more

Bryce Jordan Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

See all

For basketball this is one lousy arena. The seats are too far away from the court. But it's the worst for the student section. I could literally park a tractor trailer on the open empty floor space in between the students and the court. It's a really dumb layout. read more

Venue is nice... biggest pet peace for most Of the people I talked to. They do not serve alcohol. When 20-30 people say it without being asked, I think you have an issue. This venue would be packed if they served alcohol. its bad business ethic for them not too. I gues I commend them for being dry, but I will not be back until they do serve alcohol. It is what it is but from one of the biggest college towns in the USA, you would think they would: 1: like to profit 2: entertain 3: well, fill the stadium What do I know though, I am just someone who pays the bills with money..... read more

There are minimal food options and the lines are super long. The food is average at best. The bathrooms are generally clean as well as the rest of the stadium. The seats offer a decent amount of room. The lower seats are average as some do not have good lines of sites. The upper level seats are not good. It feels like your a million miles away when you may not be. read more

If I could give negative 50 as a rating, I would. Here for the Journey concert that is supposed to start at 7:30pm. It's 7pm now and the doors haven't even opened yet. It is freezing and raining. There is a mass of people waiting right outside the door and a long line going down the sidewalk and around the parking lot. Whoever is in charge tonight or in charge of this process overall needs some training or worse. This is ridiculous. For the cost of the tickets, we should all be inside where it's warm and dry getting ready to enjoy a great show rather than freezing outside and catching pneumonia! Shame on you BJC!!! read more

This event center basically holds every large event that they hold on campus. From concerts, basketball games, THON, and other student activities, Bryce Jordan Center is your spot. Tickets for basketball games are dirt cheap, being less that $5. No matter where you sit, you get a great view of the center. With basketball games, students can go right down to the floor and grab any seat there, so it's definitely a steal. The downside, is that you have to sit through and watch a PSU basketball game. Here and there, there are some concerts and other performances that come through town. With those, ticket prices go up to over $100, depending on the event. Parking around BJC is fairly cheap if you're not a student. If you have a parking pass, then you're set. It's totally free, or just take the free shuttles around campus. Food inside the BJC is pretty standard. You have your hot dogs, pizza, pretzels and sodas. The awesome thing is the prices for food is cheap, and you don't get this ripped off feel like when you're at a real stadium. read more

I went to see Billy Joel at the Bryce Jordan Center and had a decent experience. My experience was fairly limited though considering I didn't explore the venue much. Here are my take-a ways: -It's easy to get to from downtown via the free buses. -The check-in process is straight forward. Scan, quick search and done. -The acoustics for a concert are good- at least from where I was sitting. -The bathrooms are clean (clean enough). It reminded me of the Old Spectrum in Philly. The arena is older but seemed well kept. A-OK in my book. read more

Bryce Jordan Center - Billy Joel concert. View from section 103 - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

See all

What can I say about the BJC, the home for Thon every February. The place where so many memories are made. Ive have had the opportunity to attend Thon three years now. On our first year we didn't really know what to expect. The BJC holds 15,000 people and by Sunday of that weekend the building was at max capacity. Looking around at all the Penn state students coming together to raise money for pediatric cancers. Alright back to the review. As I said the stadium houses 15,000 people before hitting the fire code, thats a lot of people. The concourse is a large circle so as long as you know which portal you are seated in you shouldn't get lost. On the concourse level they have plenty of food options. They are pricey but that is to be expected for stadium food. As I said before since we are a four diamonds family we see more of the BJC that most average spectators don't see. They have many different conference style rooms on the second floor. On the ground floor is the basketball court or main stage if you're there for a concert. There is also a nice practice court back in the south annex. Lots of parking and its free. read more

See all

This is not a good venue if you intend on actually purchasing an alcoholic beverage. I havent seeny anything other than beer and wine and they take WAY TOO LONG to serve. Everything is opened and poured into plastic cups. Limited options. Barely any alcohol only serving stations. Missing the entire middle act at the Luke Combs concert waiting in line for a damn beer. By the way: 3 DRINK LIMIT. They waste so much time scanning IDs and putting bracelets on and ripping off a number every time you buy a drink. Will NEVER come back here for another concert. read more

Extremally nice venue, however my experience was hindered by a member of the mask police on somewhat of a power trip. She first came down and told me to pull my mask up, so I readjusted it even though it was already covering my nose. Then I payed $5 for a drink, I was enjoying my drink and she yelled at me for having my mask down while I was drinking. She then got in the row in front of me and my friends and informed us that her boss was watching her and she would be the one to get in trouble if we didn't put our masks up. None of us had them down except when we were eating. We said OK and were polite. About five minutes later she came back over to our seats and with two of her superiors, one of which told me he had been timing me and I was taking too long in between drinks to keep my mask down. Keep in mind that they were all watching us from behind and about twenty rows up. I have a strong feeling they were just picking someone to make an example of without getting too much backlash. But I did see this same lady harassing multiple people through out the night that were trying to eat We all decided to stop eating and just keep our masks on. If you plan on going to a game this season I would just save your money and support your team from home! read more

I'd like to be able to comment on the center itself but sitting in standstill traffic for 2 hours and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra starting 15 minutes ago, I may not get to experience anything but traffic. read more

This a good venue for the type of event I attended. Casting Crowns, a Christian Contemporary band. My seats were good, but they were just above floor level. The staff was helpful and food offerings were adequate. Most importantly, parking time looked extreme. I stayed at a nearby hotel which offered shuttle service which I counted as invaluable. Left a half hour before the start and arrived in plenty of time despite the horrendous traffic! read more

I attended a concert with my best friend a few days ago and basically, if it weren't for the "Special Guest" band, all would have been lost. the seats were great as the venue was small- but they had no beer and water had to be poured in a cup- WTF,C? Anyway, acoustics- check; parking- check although expensive ($10)...on a college campus kind of weird. The crowd? Scary. Mostly townies and women of a certain age looking to be entertained by one of the headlining bands. Did I mention they don't sell beer? Oh, and I got the tickets for half price. If I had to pay full price, I would be depressed. BTW, did I mention they do not sell beer? Lame. read more

My brother graduated from PSU this spring and graduation was held in the Bryce Jordan Center. Coming from a fairly small college myself, the place seemed sizeable, even though everyone else considers it to be smaller. It was bright and clean and offered plenty of restrooms, ramps and elevators for those who can't climb steps. As one of the go-to places on campus for concerts, graduation and sporting events (namely, basketball) it's easy to see why everyone at PSU loves it. read more

Came to see a concert this weekend. We received an Email that said to arrive early because there would be extra security screening due to the recent attacks in Paris. I had a great time at the show once inside and I don't mind extra security screenings (I actually welcome it). But, when you only have 1 male and 1 female screener at a gate and a crowd of 9-10 thousand people it's a little annoying. I would bet they had more than that at the PSU/Michigan game the next day. Plus we got the email days before the concert. The venue is a great place to see a concert and I will return. Hopefully they can pre plan a little better next time. read more

Nice small indoor stadium for a Big 10 basetball game. Where every you sit there will be a good view. read more

Bryce Jordan Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

A nice modern arena that's really held up the last 20 years, it's to bad the Lady Lions only get a small amount of support. read more

See all

Went to a winter break big 10 basketball game when students were away. Found the place to be a pale knock off of the NBA now. No high school pep band or cheerleaders. Maybe this is for recruiting but the DJ did nothing for me. Just does not feel like a college basketball game any more. Staff was nice but several concession stands lacked many of the options that where listed on the menu (pretzel stand). So they really were not worth opening. That and nobody wants to sit behind the baskets in that place. Too far away. Get a high corner seat instead. Did appreciate the college basketball graphics that they put around the concourse though. read more

Saw kevin hart here Live and a few bbal games. read more

Bryce Jordan Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

See all

So, I went there to see Transiberian Orchestra, and as an auditorium it is basically sound (pun intended). The parking is $5, which is ok, although the adjunct police officers that you interact with vary quite widely in quality, attention, knowledge, and style. The upside is that they are basically well run once you get inside. It is clean, pretty well laid out, and some cool acts come. I get the impression that the booking agent tries to get acts through. Going to a concert is a nice, but expensive thing. The downside is that they also bring some lame acts, but that might be a matter of taste. Also, on every food and drink item item they add $1.50 surcharge to have it there. Popcorn? $3.00. Drink, $3.00. Cheap Subway sub, $4.50, expensive, $7.00. Ice cream (kept in unsafe conditions according to the Creamery where cross contamination could occur between flavors!), $5.00. Except for chips, which remain at $1 (they should be $2.5!). So, take a cup along or water, and save yourself $6. (I asked at the subway franchise for a water cup, and they said that they could not provide one for my son because there was no place to get water except from the washing up sink.) TSO was worth it, though. read more

This was the absolute worst venue I have ever been to. Had general admission for twenty one pilots. Most unorganized and rude staff I have ever encountered and I have been to hundreds of concerts. Got thru the gate and tried to find entrance for floor, found it and was told I needed a wristband, not sure why I wasn't told that when my ticket was scanned. Had to go to opposite side of arena where I had to wait in line for a wristband. It was mass chaos, nobody knew where the line started or ended, staff was yelling, and one older gentleman was physically pushing my girlfriend and screaming at us asking us where we came from. I tried to explain we needed wristbands. Just completely unorganized and unprofessional. I would NEVER recommend a concert here. Twenty one pilots were amazing tho! read more

Great facility. Well maintained, clean, comfortable, and fun for concerts, shows, and sports. I prefer sitting in the lower half as it's fairly steep upstairs, but always comfortable. Friendly staff, reasonable concessions, and plentiful restrooms. Exiting after a big event is slow but otherwise effortless. read more

Was here yesterday for a career fair. The Bryce Jordan Center isn't organized very well, so it was hard to find where I needed to go. I assume that's because it's main purpose is a sports stadium/concert venue, and not a career fair center. I saw on the Jumbotron that there's an Florida Georgia Line concert in April! Looks like they have a bunch of popular events here. read more

I went to the Bryce Jordan Center for my brother's college basketball game against Penn State. Bryce Jordan Center is where Penn State men and women basketball teams play home games. The arena is huge with good views of center court. Players will call is located in the main center entrance. Guest must show an ID to receive will call tickets. The staff was friendly and professional. I enjoy watching my brother play basketball at Bryce Jordan Center. Students were out for the semester,so we didn't have a problem parking. read more

The BJC is basically a slightly smaller, more streamlined approach to the enormodome you find in every city in America. Concerts, basketball, graduation ceremonies, whatever. The concourse is a bit narrow compared to other modern places but since its smaller I guess it really doesn't matter. Plenty of bathrooms and concession stands, and if you want to see a major concert and live in central PA this is where you will be. read more

Came here on 10/20/18 for the Metallica. I'm not too familiar with the surrounding area (I'm not an alum and I drove 4 hours up to State College for the show), so I don't know what's considered a "normal" experience for a large event. Off the bat, the surrounding roadways were not extensive and so the traffic just to get into the area of the BJC was massive. We finally got into the area and the parking was completely disorganized. There wasn't anyone directing people where to go nor were there signs for "event parking". We drove around for almost an hour and finally parked in a garage but then had a 20 minute walk in the pouring rain and cold over to the performance center. I think another Yelper said something along the lines of Metallica being too big for the venue and I agree. The staff was very nice and friendly but I just don't think anyone was prepared for the massive crowds. Aesthetically speaking, the sound wasn't great and the seats are VERY small - you feel like you're packed in like a sardine. Other than that it was a good night since Metallica played a lot of my favorite songs =). My #1 recommendation would be that if you're coming to see a big musical act or entertainer, give yourself PLENTY of time to get in, park and get into the venue. read more

Depending on what you're coming here for. If it's sports, it's good. I've come here for college basketball games and always had a great time. I'd give it more stars for sports. Concerts on the other hand. The sound system sucks! I go for rock concerts, maybe it's better for country, but rock... nope! Also just like everywhere, the price of food and drinks is crazy. read more

Spacious, easy to navigate, and a great location convenient to many hotels and restaurants. It was a pleasure to attend a graduation here!

Went to see Zac Brown Band. Had great seats, saw a great concert.

The Jordan Center could have been designed a bit more creatively, but it accomplishes what it was put here to do. As a concert/show venue, it does a great job. It provides ample seating, close to 15,000 between the upper and lower bowls, and there really aren't that many bad seats. The sound quality is average, but at large venues it's never going to be excellent. A major plus of the BJC is how many big names seem to stop in. Nearly every month it seems like an act with the ability to sell the place out has a show, I.E. Elton John, Lil' Wayne, Bon Jovi. Unfortunately, as a college basketball venue it is well below average. The BJC's design is essentially a concrete shell, and it really takes away from the intimacy that usually comes with college basketball. The fan support for PSU basketball isn't nearly enough to fill the place on most nights, and it makes the atmosphere seem very tame. Sound also tends to dissipate, and takes away much of the home court advantage provided by the student section. I almost wish they'd go back to playing basketball games in Rec Hall. On a positive note, I've never had a bad experience with a BJC employee. They are always kind and courteous, even to the students, very much in contrast to how ushers at football games act. The entire building is also extremely clean, including the bathrooms. A place like this exists in nearly all cities, and there's not much different about it than anywhere else. If you're looking for something special from the venue itself go somewhere else, but if you're excited by you're event you'll have an excellent time. read more

I have been to 5 or 6 WONDERFUL concerts there. All the seats have good views, the lighting shows the singer well, the sound is loud but good and it is good for basketball and maybe volleyball games and wrestling matches. It has many options for things to do. There is even a kids day with slide and rock climbing! It is great at the BJC. read more

Parking cost $10!!! No food/drink allowed in for a FAMILY show (Sesame Street) and ONE bottle of water cost $4!!! The audience was composed of FAMILIES with INFANTS and TODDLERS who at the very least need to buy water for that ridiculous price.. The show was excellent but the prices for parking and for concessions is a RIPOFF. It was almost $20 to get 2 pop-corns, 2 waters and 1 small soda. At a kid show???! We could not afford to even look at the merchandise after paying for the tickets, parking and expensive water/food. On a positive note, the BJC is very clean and the ushers are friendly and helpful. I've been to shows there last year and had no issues with their prices, but they've now DOUBLED the price of parking and for water and who knows what else at the concession stand. They need to either lower the price for water or let parents bring water in for their kids!!!! read more

I had general admission floor tickets and was able to get very close to the stage. That said, I went to concession stand and bought beverages for my family of 4, and then was forced by an employee to throw them out before returning to the floor area, 3 of which were completely untouched because my family was at their seats, so $20 in the garbage. Approximately 15 minutes later I saw other people with beverages on the floor and was told "it was too bad that I was misinformed". At that point I asked if I could be escorted to get drinks because I did not want to be separated from my family and was told absolutely not. I asked for a refund for the $20 for the drinks that I was erroneously told I HAD to discard and was also told absolutely not, which was completely unfair. I also asked it would be possible to get water as I was feeling dehydrated and dizzy from standing there for more than 6 hours, and was told that was my problem. I feel that I was treated very unfairly, I will not return this venue again! read more

decent place to see a show. the ushers can be a little overbearing.

BJC was rated ** #1 ** among university venues by Pollstar.com a few years ago. Recently, I saw it ranked #120 or so worldwide among ALL venues. I'd be interested in seeing an update of its ranking among U. S. universities. read more