Penn State's arena on the east side of campus
The Bryce Jordan Center is Penn State's main indoor arena, on Curtin Road across from Beaver Stadium on the University Park campus. It has been home to Penn State men's and women's basketball since it opened on January 6, 1996, replacing Rec Hall, and it is the largest touring stop in central Pennsylvania for concerts, wrestling, family shows and commencement. It seats 15,261 for basketball and more than 16,000 for concerts.
The short answer on seats: for basketball, the center-court sections 105, 106, 122 and 123 are the best in the building, and the upper rows of those sections see more than the floor-level rows. For an end-stage concert, sections 104 and 124 in the 100 level and 204 and 224 in the 200 level put you closest to the stage at an angle.
The building is named for Bryce Jordan, Penn State's president from 1983 to 1990, who helped secure the funding to build it. Locals usually call it the BJC.
How the BJC seating bowl is numbered
Section and row details below come from the RateYourSeats section directory and its level guides; the arena's own seating charts at bjc.psu.edu show the same section numbers for each event.
100 level: sections 101–134
The lower bowl has 34 sections wrapping the floor. Most of them are split into two parts, and this is where buyers get confused. The upper part has about 15 rows lettered from A at the front. The lower part, closer to the floor, is lettered from AA to KK, and the lettering runs backward: row KK is the first row at the floor, and row AA is about ten rows up. A ticket in row BB is not near the court; a ticket in row JJ is.
Club seats
Club seats are oversized padded chairs at the top of select 100-level sections. Depending on the event, they can include access to a club room, food and drink, or in-seat service, so read the ticket description.
200 level: sections 201–234
The upper level, also called the concourse level, runs from 201 to 234 (there is no 214 or 231). Sections have up to about 20 rows, with row A at the front by the entry tunnel. Seat 1 sits on the right side of a section when you face the court or stage.
Floor and courtside
For basketball, courtside rows are labeled by side (Floor E and W). For concerts, the floor is divided into sections such as N1, N2, S1 and S2.
Best seats for Penn State basketball, wrestling and concerts
Basketball
Sections 105, 106, 122 and 123 face each other at center court. The upper portion of those sections (rows A and up) is the better buy for most fans: you sit high enough to see plays develop over the benches. The low lettered rows (KK, JJ, HH) are close but flat. Sections 104, 107, 121 and 124 give nearly the same angle. For value, the front rows of the 200 level along the sidelines rarely sell out and keep you on center court.
The student section, the Legion of Blue, and the Pride of the Lions pep band set the noise level. If you prefer a calmer view, pick a section away from the students.
Wrestling
Penn State wrestling duals have set the building's attendance record. The mat sits at center floor, so the sideline sections used for basketball are again the strongest view, and the higher rows of the 100 level let you see the whole mat without heads in the way.
End-stage concerts
For most concerts the stage sits in front of sections 130–132, at the southwest end. The closest raised seats are 104 and 124 in the 100 level and 204 and 224 upstairs. Sections opposite the stage give a straight-on view of the full production from farther back.
Seats to avoid
- Sections around 128–134 at end-stage shows: beside or behind the stage, with blocked or no views.
- Top rows of the 200-level corners: the farthest seats from either the stage or center court.
- The lowest lettered rows behind the baskets: the stanchion and backboard sit in your line of sight.
Bryce Jordan Center capacity
The Bryce Jordan Center seats 15,261 for basketball and holds more than 16,000 for concerts, depending on the stage setup. Its attendance record is 15,998, set at the Penn State vs. Iowa wrestling dual on January 27, 2023, which beat the 15,588 who saw Metallica on October 20, 2018. Basketball crowds vary widely: a Big Ten game against a ranked opponent fills far more of the bowl than an early-season nonconference date.
Parking at the BJC and getting to campus
Event parking is in the commuter lots around the arena: Jordan East, Stadium West and Porter North. As of 2026, Penn State University Park permit holders park free; everyone else pays an event fee, either prepaid through ParkWhiz (cheaper, and due by the day before) or at the full day-of rate through the HONK app or the QR codes on lot signs. Cash is not accepted on event nights. Park head-in with your plate facing the aisle, because enforcement checks plates against payments.
Penn State warns against buying event parking from third-party resellers, which may charge more or sell invalid permits. Accessible parking is in the same commuter lots, first come, first served, with a state placard plus a permit or event payment. Rideshare drop-off and pickup use the Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North lots. Traffic into State College funnels through I-99 and Park Avenue, so arrive early for sellouts and expect a slow exit. The arena's directions and parking page has the current details.
Bryce Jordan Center bag policy and entry
As of 2026, the Bryce Jordan Center uses a clear-bag policy. Each guest may bring one bag: a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 by 1 inches. Backpacks, messenger bags, duffels, binocular cases, coolers and empty refillable water bottles are not allowed. Diaper bags with a child, medically necessary items and clear backpacks within the size limit may be allowed after inspection.
Every gate uses walk-through metal detectors, and there is no bag check, so anything not allowed has to go back to the car. Guest Relations is near Gate B during events. Check the arena's current policy before you go, since rules can change by event.
History of the BJC
Ground was broken on April 7, 1993, and the arena opened on January 6, 1996, at a cost of about 52.8 million dollars, designed by Rosser International. It was built with concerts in mind as much as basketball, which shows in its size relative to Penn State's crowds. Aerosmith recorded parts of a live album here in 1998, the Backstreet Boys filmed a music video here in 2000, and THON, the Penn State student dance marathon for pediatric cancer, moved into the building in 2007. The arena also hosts the PIAA state basketball championships each year. In 2023, Penn State athletics director Pat Kraft said a new basketball arena was not the immediate plan and that the department was studying what the programs need within the existing building.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the Bryce Jordan Center?
It seats 15,261 for basketball and more than 16,000 for concerts. The record crowd is 15,998, for a Penn State wrestling dual against Iowa in January 2023.
What is the Bryce Jordan Center bag policy?
As of 2026, one clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Backpacks are not allowed; check the current policy before you go.
Where do you park for the Bryce Jordan Center?
In the Jordan East, Stadium West and Porter North commuter lots. Prepay through ParkWhiz by the day before for the lower rate; cash is not accepted on event nights.
How do the row letters work in the 100 level?
The lower part of most 100-level sections uses rows AA to KK, and row KK is closest to the floor. The upper part uses single letters starting with row A at its front.
What are the best seats for a Penn State basketball game?
Center-court sections 105, 106, 122 and 123, ideally in the upper part of the section for a better angle. Sideline seats at the front of the 200 level are the value pick.
Who is the Bryce Jordan Center named after?
Bryce Jordan, president of Penn State from 1983 to 1990, who helped secure the funding to build the arena.