UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Since its own professional debut on May 8, 1974, Eisenhower Auditorium at Penn State has been designated an artist’s stage, a classroom, a religious worship hall, a volunteer’s destination, a graduation ceremony rite of passage, and a cultural and community connector.

During its 2024-25 season, the Center for the Performing Arts will pay homage to its home base and the building’s involvement in the State College community.

The uniquely shaped performance hall opened with a collaborative concert featuring the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and University Choirs. Since then, it’s offered its stage to scores of student clubs and professional touring artists.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating all that Eisenhower Auditorium was, is and will be moving forward,” said Laura Sullivan, the marketing and communications director at the Center for the Performing Arts. “The activity in the building throughout the next year will be electric. We will honor the legacy as we continue to build our new vision for the future.”

Watch Center for the Performing Arts online to keep up with 50th anniversary announcements, events, features and more.

“Flashback Forward” kickoff event

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, longtime State College favorites Famly Brew (former members of the Phyrst Phamly), The Screaming Ducks and Pure Cane Sugar will kick off the building’s year-long commemoration with “Flashback Forward: Eisenhower Auditorium Turns 50!”

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors in front of the auditorium starting at 5:30 p.m. The event, a partnership between the Center for the Performing Arts and the Penn State Alumni Association, is part of the We Are Weekend activities.

Call 814-863-0255 or visit “Flashback Forward” online for more information about the general-admission event.

2024-25 season teaser

The center will announce its 2024-25 event season on Tuesday, July 30, with events that will especially appeal to fans of touring Broadway, modern and cultural dance, cirque arts, and classical and country music.

Tickets for season events go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7, to members and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, to the public. To keep updated with season news, visit Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.

Tell us your Eisenhower Auditorium story

Throughout the year, the center will revisit moments in Eisenhower Auditorium, and we’ll share throwback anecdotes, archival photos and informative features. Read an overview of Eisenhower Auditorium’s origin.

Do you have a memory or story specific to Eisenhower Auditorium that you’d like to share? Email Heather Longley at HXL44@psu.edu.

Become an Arts Insider to keep up with 2024-25 season announcements, and features and programs related to the Eisenhower Auditorium 50th anniversary celebration.