Penn State hockey player reflects on playing in front of 75,000 fans

Gavin McKenna shares his experience of competing in a sold-out Beaver Stadium hockey game

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Gavin McKenna, a player on the Penn State ice hockey team, recently reflected on the experience of competing in a hockey game held at the school's Beaver Stadium in front of a crowd of over 75,000 people. The game, which was part of a special outdoor hockey event, set a new attendance record for a college hockey game.

Why it matters

Penn State's decision to host an outdoor hockey game at their massive football stadium highlights the growing popularity of the sport, especially among college programs looking to generate excitement and attract new fans. The record-breaking attendance also demonstrates the school's ability to successfully execute large-scale sporting events outside of their usual venues.

The details

The hockey game, which took place in January 2026, was part of a two-day outdoor hockey festival held at Beaver Stadium. In addition to the Penn State men's hockey team, the event also featured a women's hockey game and various community skating sessions. Organizers were able to construct a full-size hockey rink on the football field and install temporary seating to accommodate the massive crowd.

  • The outdoor hockey event took place on January 24-25, 2026.
  • The Penn State men's hockey game was held on January 25, 2026.

The players

Gavin McKenna

A player on the Penn State men's ice hockey team.

Penn State

The host university for the outdoor hockey event, which set a new attendance record for a college hockey game.

Beaver Stadium

The massive football stadium at Penn State that was transformed to host the outdoor hockey festival.

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What they’re saying

“Playing in front of that many people was an unbelievable experience. The atmosphere was electric, and it really showed how much the community supports our team.”

— Gavin McKenna, Penn State hockey player (wn.com)

What’s next

Penn State is expected to continue hosting the outdoor hockey festival annually, with plans to potentially expand the event to include more teams and activities in the future.

The takeaway

The success of Penn State's outdoor hockey event demonstrates the growing popularity of the sport at the college level and the ability of schools to create unique fan experiences that can attract large crowds and generate excitement around their programs.