Penn State Lion Ambassadors host spooky “Haunted Valley” event at Hintz Alumni Center

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On Friday, the Penn State Lion Ambassadors transformed the Hintz Alumni Center and University House into a spine-chilling "Haunted Hotel" for their annual "Haunted Valley" event.

Hundreds of guests, ranging from students to families, gathered for an evening filled with thrills, laughter, and festive activities.

As visitors entered the haunted hotel, they were greeted by Lion Ambassadors dressed in eerie costumes, from zombies to creepy concierges hosting. There was spooky music playing in the background, and spider webs and Halloween-themed decorations draped the walls. Animatronic ghosts, spiders, and other creatures roamed the floors, adding to the haunting ambiance.

“I thought the haunted house was great. I was in line and they gave me free donuts, and we got in and it was very scary. I even jumped a couple times,” said Ryan Batista, a second-year student studying public relations.

The experience brought the hotel theme to life, as guests made their way through dimly lit hallways, where Lion Ambassadors would jump out from behind curtains and around corners, eliciting reactions from the crowd of both fright and laughter.

“I had so much fun, it was definitely scary,” said Stella Teeter, a fourth-year Biology student. “The haunted house part could have been a bit longer, and we had to wait 30 minutes to get in, but it was fun.”

Outside, in the Hintz Alumni Garden, a variety of family-friendly activities kept guests entertained. Attendees enjoyed posing for caricature artists, participating in scavenger hunts, and getting their faces painted with spooky designs.

Children lined up for pumpkin painting, eagerly creating their own festive masterpieces, while others waited for balloon animals crafted by skilled performers.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.