GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College will welcome anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and regional partners to campus when the Muskie Max Plus Outdoor Expo opens Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, inside the Rissell-Schreyer Dome.
The two-day event brings together exhibitors, seminars, and interactive experiences centered on muskie fishing, conservation, and the outdoor recreation industry. Organizers describe the expo as an opportunity to connect community members with outdoor education while highlighting western Pennsylvania’s strong tradition of stewardship and recreation.
Muskie Max Plus will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $10, with children under 12 admitted free with a paid adult.
The expo will feature a range of respected conservation organizations, regional outdoor partners, and nationally recognized muskie industry experts. Participating exhibitors include representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Inc., and Three Rivers Muskie Club, alongside established lure designers and specialty outdoor brands such as Red October Baits, Musky Mafia Tackle, Baker Musky Lures, and Keystone King Musky Lures. Organizers said the mix of conservation leaders, custom manufacturers, and outdoor educators reflects the event’s focus on stewardship, innovation, and the continued growth of the outdoor recreation industry.
Hosted on Thiel College’s campus, the expo reflects the institution’s commitment to community engagement and experiential learning by bringing regional organizations and outdoor professionals into an academic setting. College officials said the event creates opportunities for students and visitors alike to explore topics such as conservation, environmental responsibility, entrepreneurship, and media storytelling connected to outdoor recreation.
The Rissell-Schreyer Dome, one of the largest indoor athletic and event facilities in the region, serves as a winter hub for NCAA Division III athletics, campus programs, and community events. Located at the heart of Thiel College’s campus, the air-supported structure provides 86,000 square feet of flexible space for large-scale exhibitions, tournaments, and educational gatherings that bring visitors from across the region to Greenville.
“The College has always been deeply connected to the Shenango Valley and the outdoor traditions that are part of life in this region,” said Vice President for Communications and Marketing Richard Orr. “Events like Muskie Max Plus demonstrate how higher education can serve as a gathering place for learning, innovation, and community partnerships.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.