Penn State Shenango Inks Deal to Play at Buhl

SHARON, Pa. – Buhl Community Recreation Center will collaborate with Penn State Shenango’s athletics program to serve as the campus’ home arena for men’s basketball and women’s basketball.

As part of the three-year agreement, the Buhl Center will undergo some renovations, including new wall padding, scoreboards and backboards. Perhaps most noticeable will be the restoration of the gym’s floor, which will be stripped, varnished, sealed and marked with the Penn State athletic logo.

Work will be done May 19 through June 8. Penn State Shenango’s first game at the Buhl Center will be a men’s basketball game Nov. 10.

“We are very excited about this partnership and playing our part to bring back college athletics to our town,” said Buhl director Jason Kmick in a release. “As a part of this partnership, we will be making improvements to our gymnasium that will not only serve Penn State athletics, but will also be accessible to our members and program participants. We believe that this is just the start of what promises to be a great partnership between the Buhl Community Recreation Center and Penn State.”

Also part of the agreement is Penn State Shenango’s exclusive use of three locker rooms at the Buhl Center for both men and women. The rooms are currently under renovation to add new lockers, sinks, signs and a whirlpool.

And, an athletic training room on the second floor will be renovated for us by the Shenango campus, which has been working with Sharon Regional Medical Center to work out a contract for training services. Once that deal is complete, work will begin.

“Anytime you have the opportunity to build an athletic program and partner with such a well-rounded, well-respected organization as the Buhl Community Recreation Center, it’s a great building block,” said Penn State Shenango athletic director and men’s basketball coach Andre Smith. “This agreement will also allow local businesses to take part in sponsorships in the gymnasium area. I know all parties are extremely excited about the future as we move forward.”

The Buhl Community Recreation Center served as the home court for the campus’ previous athletic program from the mid-1960s through its disbandment in the 1990s. The campus announced the return of varsity sports in 2017.

Pictured: Penn State Shenango athletic director and men’s basketball coach Andre Smith, Buhl Community Recreation Center director Jason Kmick, and Penn State Shenango director of business and finance Bill Dungee.

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