Enhanced Concert Experience Coming to Hollywood Casino, Mehaffie Says

July 20, 2026

HARRISBURG – Stage improvements and permanent concert seating are coming to Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course courtesy of $3 million in grant funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), according to Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin).

The grant will be used to make the My Heroes Stage more permanent and add a shell structure around it. Additional, permanent seating will be added to the venue that opened on the north side of the complex in August 2021.

“Having concerts with big-name talent so close to Interstates 81 and 78 has further turned Grantville into a destination stop, allowing the community to benefit from jobs, ancillary spending and tax revenue,” Mehaffie said. “The RACP funding will allow for enhancements that will have ripple effects within the local economy for many years to come.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Rep. Mehaffie and for the support from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program,” said Tony Frabbiele, vice president and general manager at Hollywood Casino. “This grant will provide us an opportunity to offer even more entertainment to the region and further benefit the incredible men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve our community and our country through our PENN Heroes program.” 

Leaders within the music industry say the investment will be beneficial beyond Dauphin County.

“This is exciting news for live music and entertainment fans across the area. This investment in the outdoor concert venue at Hollywood Casino at Penn National will help attract visitors, enhance the guest experience, create more opportunities for live entertainment, support local businesses, and contribute to the continued growth and energy of our area,” said Ron Giovanniello, regional vice president of Cumulus Media.

“Central Pennsylvania has such a rich musical heritage. It is encouraging to hear that our state continues to invest in the advancement of our local music scene. The PENN Heroes stage at Penn National is a one-of-kind venue that has hosted standout local, regional and national talent. We can’t wait to see how the property and its audience continue to grow,” said Brandon Valentine, executive director and founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame.

The RACP program, overseen by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, allocates state-funded capital grants for economic, civic, cultural, recreational and historical improvement projects that demonstrate strong regional impact and generate substantial employment and tax revenue.




Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com