Penn State football players filled the floor, shaking hands, posing for photos and sipping The Field Burger & Tap’s famous shakes on Monday night.
The first night in a limited Meet and Greet series with Happy Valley United, players mingled with fans for nearly two hours, giving people a chance to connect face-to-face in a way that felt more like a hangout than a Meet and Greet.
Players in attendance included Zane Durant, Malachi Goodman, Ethan Grunkemeyer, Jaylen Harvey, Matthew Parker, Tony Rojas, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Elliot Washington and Keon Wylie.
Happy Valley United is Penn State’s official NIL collective, formed from the merger of the Lions Legacy Club and Success With Honor, and now supports more than 800 student-athletes across 31 sports.
Volunteers Cindy and Chuck Wall ran point all night — making sure players got food, tracking down Sharpies for autographs and helping families make the most of the evening. Both Cindy and Chuck’s connection to Penn State extends through alumni and community programs, reflecting personal ties and steady support for university athletics.
It’s a rare opportunity to chat one-on-one with players and fans, and also a chance for some signed memorabilia. One boy came in carrying a football. By the time he left, the Walls made sure it carried every signature he could collect.
The next Happy Valley United Meet and Greet at The Field is scheduled for Sept. 29.
