Changing the dates of Penns Clave
 

Well, from the Centre Valley Times, here's reason numero uno!
State College, Pa., Businesses Prepare for Large Volleyball Tournament

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business - Wednesday, May 26, 2004

By Patrick Dunne, Centre Daily Times, State College, Pa.

May 27--STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- More than 6,000 teenage girls -- along with
their coaches, parents, friends and fans -- will descend on State College on
Friday.

And downtown businesses couldn't be happier about seeing the East Coast
Championship volleyball tournament return to Penn State for the 16th year.

Access, a downtown clothing store, has a banner in its storefront welcoming
the athletes and their fans. The College Avenue store expects the tournament
to bring crowds through its doors. Manager Christina Monzillo siad those
crowds rival those the store sees during the Central Pennsylvania Festival
of the Arts.

"It's one of the top three events over the summer," Monzillo said. "The
girls are excited to shop -- and so are the mothers." The players, ages 12
to 18, come from throughout the East Coast to play on 594 teams competing in
the tournament. Teresa Sparacino, executive director of the Downtown State
College Improvement District said they have a "huge impact" on the local
economy.

"Our retails always look forward to this time of year," said Sparacino.

The DID provided "welcome" banners for local stores to display in their
doors and windows.

McLanahan's Student Store also has been preparing for the volleyball teams.
Manager Connie Williams said the store caters somewhat to the players by
putting volleyball T-shirts, Penn State clothing and other items with
feminine appeal on sale.

With thousands of visitors strolling around or shopping downtown, patrons
can expect long lines at some local restaurants this weekend.

"Friday night's wait can be up to three hours," said Rachele Rosman, a
manager at The Corner Room. "Whole teams come in, so we have a lot of large
groups." After most Penn State students leave each spring, downtown
businesses look forward to the influx of business the volleyball
championship brings each summer, Rosman said.

"Sunday nights are usually slow," said Rosman, "but it's going to be one of
the busiest nights of the week with the tournament."