James Franklin adds NIL dinner to West Coast swing
Penn State head coach James Franklin is scheduled to participate in Big Ten meetings next week in Southern California. While in the area, Franklin added to his schedule event to help boost the Nittany Lions’ NIL efforts.
New at Happy Valley United, Franklin will host a dinner with supporters on Wednesday, May 22. The event is set to begin at 7 p.m., with dinner following at 7:30 p.m. Then, Franklin and ticketed guests will dine and discuss NIL at Catalina Kitchen restaurant in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
“Happy Valley United is pleased to extend an invitation to you for a unique opportunity to support Penn State football student-athletes through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Head coach James Franklin’s travels will bring him to Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on Wednesday, May 22. During his visit, Franklin will host an intimate dinner for Nittany Lion football supporters. Drinks start at 7 PM and dinner begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets for the event are priced at $500 for individuals and $750 for couples.
James Franklin, Penn State work to expand NIL reach
The addition of the California NIL dinner to Franklin’s schedule continues an expanded push for the Nittany Lions this summer. It will land in between an April 29 inaugural Penn State Golf Tournament held in the Harrisburg area, a May 9 reception in Philadelphia, a June 6 reception in northeast Pennsylvania, and a July 25 event at the Jersery Shore.
Hoping to connect Franklin with Penn State fans on the West Coast, HVU general manager for development and corporate partnerships, Jen Ferrang, pointed to the already planned trip as an opportunity.
“Penn State alumni are spread all across the country, but still want to contribute to their team,” said Ferrang. “When James Franklin takes business trips, it’s important to get him in front of these people to discuss NIL and how they and their business can contribute to Happy Valley United. Essentially, it’s expanding Happy Valley United’s reach and NIL education.”
James Franklin urges ‘Retain the Roar’ support
Franklin’s dinner plans next week also come on the heels of his most public plea for support for NIL. On Thursday, Franklin released a recorded message via State Media. In it, he encouraged fans and business to play a part in the $500,000 ‘Retain the Roar’ fundraising push.
“Our goal is to compete for championships while doing it the right way,” said Franklin. “But having an elite NIL program is critical to this mission. A strong NIL program is a foundational component of building and maintaining an elite roster of players that will ensure our program is competitive in today’s college football.
“Our staff has done an amazing job of bringing in high-level players that uphold the standard of wearing the blue and white. Now we must ensure we do everything we can to guarantee our roster is the best it possibly can be for this upcoming season.”
As of this writing, the campaign has raised more than $147,000.
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