The drive out to Pittsburgh from Altoona on 22 is not too bad these days.
Years ago, we took the kids to a Little League World Series game on a Saturday, grabbed dinner in State College, stayed overnight in Altoona, then drove to Pittsburgh for the Steelers vs. Packers preseason game. We almost checked out the Pirates game that night as we stayed at the hotel across the street, but we all got cooked in the sun that day. Took the kids to the strip district and the incline the next day. Good times!
I may check out the Altoona hotel situation, even if it's just for Thursday night. Edit: They are sold out as well, except for Bnb's. Possible that the hotels won't book out that far I suppose?