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Happy Valley Casino to Hold 'Test Days' During Penn State's Blue-White Weekend
The State College casino plans an official opening this spring.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:37pm
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The upcoming 'test days' at the new Happy Valley Casino in State College will give Penn State football fans an early glimpse of the gaming and entertainment options ahead of the casino's official spring opening.State College TodayPenn State football fans will get a first look in April at the new Happy Valley Casino, located in a former Macy's department store at the Nittany Mall. The casino operator announced it will hold public 'test days' on April 24-25, coinciding with Penn State's Blue-White Weekend, to allow visitors to preview the casino's table games, slot machines, and dining venues before the official opening later this spring.
Why it matters
The opening of Happy Valley Casino represents a significant development for the State College community, providing a new entertainment and gaming option for Penn State fans and local residents. The casino's test days will generate excitement and interest ahead of its official launch, while also benefiting local charities through proceeds from the preview event.
The details
Happy Valley Casino will feature 600 slot machines, 30 table games, a high-limit section, quick-service dining, and a full-service restaurant across 94,000 square feet of former retail space in the Nittany Mall. The casino has taken a winding road to completion, with delays and a legal challenge before being acquired by Saratoga Casino Holdings in 2025 to finalize the $120 million project.
- The test days will be held on April 24-25, 2026.
- Penn State's Blue-White Weekend, featuring an open practice at Beaver Stadium, is scheduled for April 25, 2026.
The players
Happy Valley Casino
A Category 4 casino located in a former Macy's department store at the Nittany Mall in State College, Pennsylvania.
Eric Pearson
The general manager of Happy Valley Casino.
Ira Lubert
A former Penn State trustee and real estate/private-equity investor who won the casino bid in 2020 and donated $10 million to Penn State's Beaver Stadium renovation.
Saratoga Casino Holdings
The New York-based gaming operator that became the majority owner of Happy Valley Casino in 2025.
What they’re saying
“The Test Days are an exciting milestone for our team. We're proud to welcome the community inside for the first time, not only to showcase what we've built, but also to give back to two incredible local organizations that make a meaningful impact everyday.”
— Eric Pearson, General Manager, Happy Valley Casino
What’s next
An official opening date for Happy Valley Casino will be announced following the test days, but it is scheduled for this spring.
The takeaway
The opening of Happy Valley Casino represents a significant new entertainment and gaming option for the State College community, particularly for Penn State football fans during the popular Blue-White Weekend. The casino's test days will generate excitement and interest ahead of its official launch, while also benefiting local charities.
