HARRISBURG, Pa.—Hershey will again host two of Pennsylvania’s premier high school athletic competitions as the PIAA Individual Wrestling and Basketball State Championships return to the community this month.
Organizers expect the events to draw a combined 50,000 attendees and generate more than $4 million in economic impact.
Both championships will be held at the GIANT Center, a 10,500-seat arena that has served as a longtime stage for Pennsylvania high school sports.
The PIAA Individual Wrestling State Championships are scheduled for March 5-7. More than 700 athletes are expected to compete, with attendance projected at 30,000. The wrestling championships have been held in Hershey for 47 years.
The PIAA Basketball State Championships will follow March 19-21, featuring four championship games each day. Officials anticipate about 20,000 fans will attend. The basketball championships have been held in Hershey for 40 years.
Hershey has played a prominent role in the history of Pennsylvania high school athletics. On March 23, 1996, Kobe Bryant led Lower Merion to a PIAA state title at Hersheypark Arena before declaring for the NBA draft. Wrestler Zain Retherford won two PIAA state championships in Hershey in 2010 and 2013 and later captured three NCAA titles at Penn State, along with a Cadet World Championship and a Senior World Championship.
Located within driving distance of major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and New York City, Hershey offers a central destination for teams and families traveling from across the state.
“Our region’s location isn’t just a benefit for statewide contests, it’s a huge selling point in our conversations with event organizers and rights holders across the country as well,” says Gregg Cook, executive director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. “Our proximity to Harrisburg International Airport, major highways, and Amtrak makes travel convenient for athletes traveling here from across the world for events throughout the year. Pair that with iconic family-friendly attractions such as Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark, and you have a winning combination.”
More information about venues and attractions in the Hershey Harrisburg region is available through the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority.
