World Cup watch parties, Nike sales in State College and more top stories

From preparation for a major Penn State apparel shakeup to World Cup watch parties, June 11 brought a wide range of news to Centre County residents. Here’s a quick look at the top stories.

What to know:

• Downtown State College shops are running deep discounts off Nike-branded Penn State gear as the university ends its 33-year partnership with Nike and switches to adidas as its official apparel partner starting July 1. The new deal with adidas is valued at roughly $300 million in cash, product, NIL considerations and other benefits.
• The U.S. Men’s National Team kicks off its World Cup run against Paraguay at 9 p.m. Friday, and several Centre County venues are hosting watch parties. Options include a family-friendly, alcohol-free gathering in downtown State College at Hiester Street, plus parties with drink specials at HiWay in Ferguson Township and Axemann Brewery in Spring Township.
• A long-vacant commercial property at 605 University Drive in State College is back on the market after Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine denied a businessman’s attempt to overturn a judgment granting possession to Welteroth Property group. The 0.7-acre site features existing gas station infrastructure and has sat vacant for more than a decade, with Welteroth awarded nearly $250,000 after suing tenant Resham Dadra over unpaid rent and taxes.
• The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund is marking its 20-year anniversary with a 20-week online fundraiser running from June 1 to Oct. 19, aiming to raise $20,000 with an anonymous donor matching donations up to $10,000. Founded in 2006 in memory of Bob Perks, who died of melanoma in 2005, the nonprofit has donated more than $3.5 million to roughly 6,000 families facing cancer.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.