Penn State football Philadelphia NIL reception sets foundation for future
In every facet, Penn State football showed up in Philadelphia on Thursday evening. Nittany Lions players past and present, coaches, and administrators were all on hand at the Bellevue Hotel in Center City for Happy Valley United’s “We Are… In Philly” reception.
Coming together to help bolster the program’s name, image, and likeness education and funding efforts, the event welcomed fans and boosters for a pre-event VIP reception, hosted by head coach James Franklin, plus a main reception, and a post-party gathering held at the Union League of Philadelphia on Broad Street. Bringing together an estimated 125-150 attendees, the goal is to build upon it moving forward.
“This was really different for us,” said Jen Ferrang, General Manager of Development and Corporate Sponsorship for HVU. “You’ve got your typical tailgates that you do. You had the golf tournament, which was great. And this was more of an intimate, yet entertaining, elevated experience with a premium open bar and great food.”
Headlining the event were Franklin and new Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Entertainment was provided by rapping magician Mervant Vera and speed painter Cody Sabol. Various current and former players, as well as assistants, were also on hand.
“Carl Nassib was terrific,” said Ferang. “Seeing the coaches, the culture, and the camaraderie together with the entertainment, and having some serious conversations about NIL and what we need to do, was extremely energizing and inspiring.”
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Next steps for Penn State football NIL
The first event of its kind put on by Happy Valley United, Ferang offered two perspectives on its successes and areas for growth.
On the front end, the quality of the event and the value for fans and boosters was clear.
“I walked out of there and I said, ‘That was so much fun! Just hanging out. First of all, Andy and Tom, they are fantastic. Andy is like watching the magician,” said Ferang. “So, to see the energy and to get that kind of access and to be able to talk to them about what they’re seeing, what they’re thinking, was really amazing for me. I think the more people that can see that and feel that, the more interest we will get.”
While pleased by the initial turnout, estimating between 125 to 150 attendees for the evening, Ferang said the potential for growth next year is similarly evident. Encouraged by the sales of a special “young professional” rate for attendees 35-or-younger, with proof of concept and positive feedback from the evening, the future is one in which Penn State can tap into the energy and scale that the Philadelphia community provides.
“We probably were average in terms of the turnout versus what I would have expected from having Saquon come. It was kind of a last-minute announcement. So, I think if we had many, many weeks to promote that, it would have done really well,” said Ferang. “I think we can fill that room with 500 people next year. In your second year, you do much better. Avalon in the beginning was 50. We probably had 200 last year. And I think we can get to 350, 400 this year.”
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