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A New Name for a Historic Venue: The Pennsylvania Entertainment Place Emerges
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 16:54 GMT by WHTM🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
For decades, music lovers and event-goers have known it as Hersheypark Stadium, a cornerstone of central Pennsylvania’s entertainment landscape. But that familiar name is fading into memory as the venue undergoes a significant rebranding, officially becoming the Pennsylvania Entertainment Place. This change, announced in April 2024, marks not just a cosmetic shift but also signals a broader vision for the future of the iconic space.
The decision to rebrand came from Spectra, the company that manages the stadium on behalf of Hershey Entertainment Complex (HEC). While Hersheypark remains intrinsically linked to the town and its chocolate heritage, Spectra felt the existing name lacked the flexibility needed to attract diverse events beyond concerts and sporting competitions. The new moniker aims to broaden appeal and position the venue as a versatile destination for everything from family shows and festivals to corporate gatherings and esports tournaments.
“Hersheypark Stadium has served us well for many years,” stated Michael Keys, Spectra’s senior vice president of operations. “However, we believe ‘Pennsylvania Entertainment Place’ better reflects our commitment to providing a wide range of experiences for guests throughout the region.” He emphasized that the change is about more than just a name; it's about evolving and adapting to meet changing market demands.
The history of the venue itself is rich and layered. Originally built in 1972 as Hersheypark Stadium, it quickly became known for hosting major concerts featuring legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Billy Joel. It’s also been a vital part of Hershey's community identity, hosting local events and providing a space for shared experiences. For years, the stadium served as home to the Hershey Bears, the town’s beloved minor league hockey team, before they moved to their current arena in 2008. While the Bears no longer call it home, the venue continues to host other sporting events, including college football games and occasionally professional soccer matches.
The rebranding process involved extensive research and feedback from fans, local businesses, and community stakeholders. Spectra sought input on potential names that would resonate with a wider audience while still acknowledging the venue’s heritage. Ultimately, “Pennsylvania Entertainment Place” emerged as the frontrunner, deemed to be inclusive of the surrounding region and reflective of the diverse range of events planned for the future.
The visual identity accompanying the new name is also undergoing a transformation. While details are still being finalized, Spectra promises a modern and dynamic logo that will represent the venue’s evolving role in the entertainment landscape. The existing signage around the stadium is gradually being replaced with the new branding, marking a visible transition for visitors.
Beyond the name change, Spectra has ambitious plans to enhance the overall guest experience at Pennsylvania Entertainment Place. These include upgrades to the facility's infrastructure, improved concessions offerings, and enhanced technology integration. They are actively pursuing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create unique events that cater to diverse interests. The goal is to establish the venue as a premier destination for entertainment in central Pennsylvania and beyond.
The transition hasn’t been without some initial confusion amongst long-time fans who are accustomed to referring to the stadium by its former name. Spectra acknowledges this and has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign to educate the public about the rebranding. The campaign includes social media outreach, local advertising, and community engagement initiatives designed to familiarize audiences with the new identity.
Looking ahead, Pennsylvania Entertainment Place aims to solidify its position as a vital hub for entertainment in the region. By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing guest experience, Spectra hopes to create a vibrant destination that attracts visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond. The change signifies not an abandonment of the past but rather a confident step towards a future filled with diverse events and unforgettable experiences – all under the banner of Pennsylvania Entertainment Place.