Experience the thrill of tailgating like never before at Penn State, where game day is more than just a tradition—it’s a way of life. Welcome to a world where the roar of the crowd and the camaraderie of fellow fans fill the air, creating an electric atmosphere that’s simply unforgettable. Penn State’s passionate Nittany Lions fans have earned their place among the elite, securing a spot on Tailgater Magazine’s prestigious Top 25 College Tailgates list. Ranked at an impressive number 15, this university knows how to celebrate with style.

At the heart of this tailgating spectacle is Beaver Stadium, the second-largest stadium in the nation, boasting a capacity of over 100,000 devoted fans. Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring experience that not only promises an immense game but also delivers one of the best tailgating atmospheres in the entire country.

Now, let us equip you with the ultimate guide to an unforgettable game day and everything you need to know for tailgating at Penn State. From securing the best tickets to finding the perfect accommodation, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we unveil the secrets to making memories that will last a lifetime.

But before we dive in, here’s a tip for those traveling with Penn State to either Illinois (9/16/2023) or Northwestern (9/30/2023): check out Tailgater Concierge’s turnkey tailgate services, ensuring a seamless tailgate experience with none of the hassles. You can find more details at Illinois HERE, and Northwestern HERE.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor, get ready to be swept away by the magic of Penn State tailgating. From pre-game rituals to exciting alternative activities, we’ll show you how to make the most of your game day celebration. Let’s embark on this thrilling journey together—tailgate on!

Before Gameday at Beaver Stadium

Game Tickets

Securing your game tickets is the first step to a game-day experience at Penn State. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the roaring Nittany Lions atmosphere, it’s always best to plan ahead and guarantee the best seats for the best price. In this section, we’ll provide you with valuable tips on how to purchase your tickets, including alternative methods and important information you need to know. Get ready to secure your spot in the midst of the action and join the sea of blue and white at Beaver Stadium.

To start your search, check out Penn State’s ticket office online for the latest information.

Alternatively, here are other ways to get tickets and information:

  • By phone – Contact the Penn State Ticket Office at 1-800-NITTANY
  • In-person – The Athletic Ticket Office in the BJC, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • By email – [email protected]
  • For 2022 season tickets, fill out a request form and someone will get back to you.

You can also buy tickets from 3rd party sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek, but be prepared for some service fees.

For Penn State students, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis outside Beaver Stadium at Nittanyville, a makeshift tent town, a week leading up to home games.

Travel, Accommodation, and Transport

Embrace the excitement of game day by immersing yourself in the vibrant town of State College, known as Happy Valley. With its breathtaking autumn landscapes and crisp weather, extending your visit to a weekend getaway is an excellent choice. In this section, we’ll guide you through the options for accommodations, from hotels conveniently located near the stadium to the benefits of staying in a VRBO. Discover the best way to make the most of your game weekend and delve into our guide on how to spend 48 unforgettable hours in State College.

Where to Stay

State College, also known as Happy Valley is a beautiful town in Pennsylvania. Considering Football season aligns with autumn, it would be a great idea to make a weekend of the game to enjoy the crisp weather and the stunning fall foliage. If you’re coming from out of town, there are many hotels close to the stadium that provide a shuttle service to and from the stadium on game day. Here is a list of some of Happy Valley’s top rated hotels.

Alternatively, you could choose to stay at a VRBO, which can be very useful as you’ll have a kitchen to prepare food and snacks for the tailgate.

To make the most of your game weekend, here’s a guide on how to spend 48 hours in State College.

Getting to Beaver Stadium on Gameday

The anticipation builds as game day approaches, and now it’s time to plan your journey to the colossal Beaver Stadium. Navigating the parking lots and transportation options can be a challenge, but fear not—we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll provide you with essential information on parking lot openings, preferred parking options, ride-share services, and shuttle bus schedules. Prepare yourself for a seamless arrival at the stadium, ensuring that you have plenty of time to soak in the pre-game excitement and join the vibrant tailgating scene.

Beaver Stadium

Parking

If you’re driving, it’s important to note which lot you plan to park in so you can make sure to access the right zone. On game days traffic goes to a one-way pattern. If you enter the wrong zone, you could end up getting stuck in a long line of traffic. Check the parking map below to find where all the lots are located and how to enter each one.

Penn State Football Parking Map

Parking Lot Openings

For a 12:00 pm kick-off, parking lots open at 7:00 am, and the one-way traffic pattern will begin at 8:30 am. For all other game times, parking lots will open at 8:00 am and the one-traffic pattern will begin 4 hours before kick-off.

General Lots

Single-game parking permits can be purchased in advance for $25 in lots 11 and 36. These passes are available online up to 15 days before game day. You can also purchase advanced parking permits by calling 1-800-NITTANY (1-800-648- 8269) or in person at Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Office between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. If you choose to buy your parking permit on game day it will cost $60 cash only and you run the risk of the lots being full so we strongly recommend buying it ahead of time.

Preferred Lots

Preferred parking lots are available in paved and grass lots at beaver stadium. Please contact the Nittany Lion Club at 1-800-648-8269 or [email protected] for more information or to reserve a lot.

Ride Share

If you decide to tag along to someone else’s tailgate or skip the tailgate together, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available to and from the stadium. Hastings Road is the official drop-off and pick-up location for all services.

Shuttle Bus (CATA)

There are a number of shuttle buses that provide service between many of the hotels on South Atherton Street, downtown State College, and Beaver Stadium. Shuttle services begin three to five hours before kickoff, depending on the game time. They operate both to and from the stadium approximately every 10 minutes. After the game, they will only operate one way from the stadium for one hour, every 20 minutes. The fare is $2.00 exact change per ride.

Shuttle Bus (Fullington)

There is also a shuttle bus service provided by Fullington Bus Lines available for those near North Atherton St. Visit their website for more information.

Tailgating at Beaver Stadium

Tailgating at Penn State is an art form—a time-honored tradition that unites fans in celebration before the big game. It’s a chance to showcase your team spirit, indulge in delicious food, and create memories that will last a lifetime. In this section, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of tailgating at Beaver Stadium. From the rules and regulations to pro tips on setting up your space, we’ll ensure that you have a seamless tailgating experience.

Tents, tarps, and canopies, as well as tables and chairs are only allowed directly in front or behind your vehicle. To make sure you have a seamless tailgating experience and don’t end up having to move any tailgating equipment, don’t block any roadways or parking lanes. Charcoal grills and fire pits are not permitted so if you want to barbecue, make sure you bring a propane grill instead.

Penn State Tailgate Party

Recycling

As part of a University-wide recycling program, Penn State provides complimentary trash and recycling bags at many locations throughout the tailgate lots. Clear bags are reserved for trash, while blue ones are for recycling. All you have to do is make sure the right items go in the right color bags and the trash and sanitation crew will collect them for you.

Alternative Pre-Game Activities

While tailgating is the heart and soul of the game day experience, Penn State offers a plethora of alternative activities to enhance your pre-game excitement. From interactive displays at Fan Fest to exploring the vibrant bar scene near Beaver Stadium, there’s something for everyone. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of State College’s legendary bars and provide insights into the exciting atmosphere of each venue. So whether you’re looking to join the pre-game festivities or continue the celebration after the game, State College has you covered with an array of entertainment options.

Fan Fest

Fan Fest on Curtain Road has interactive displays and giveaways before every home guy. They also host the Dietz & Watson Tailgate Show that discusses the day’s game and answer questions from fans.

Bar Hopping

Whether you choose to pre-game before or continue the festivities after Lion’s big win, there are tons of great bars right around the corner from Beaver Stadium.

Here are some of State College’s legendary bars:

The Phryst – 111 East Beaver Ave

An iconic bar of Penn State and a local favorite, The Phryst is an absolute must for any bar crawl.

Local Whiskey – 107 East Beaver St

One for the liquor lovers. This bar has the best selection in town of cocktails and of course, whisky.

The Saloon – 101 Heist St

Home to the famous Monkey Boy cocktail, which is literally a pitcher of a delicious liquor concoction.

Liberty Craft House – 346 East College Ave

This bar features the largest range of beers, so many in fact, you have to order them by number.

Bar Bleu – 112 South Garner St

If you pre-gamed too hard and don’t make it to the stadium, this is the best place to watch the game on the big screen.

Champ’s Sports Grill – 139 South Allen St. & 1611 North Atherton St

The two locations have some of the best food around, not to mention a ton of beers on tap.

Cafe 210 West – 210 West College Ave

If the weather is nice, this is THE place to go.

The Shandygaff – 212 East College Ave

The Gaff, as it’s called to those in the know, is an icon of Penn State and where you’ll end up dancing the night away.

Entry into Beaver Stadium

As game time draws near, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the entry process into Beaver Stadium. From gate openings to the strict bag policy, knowing the dos and don’ts will ensure a smooth entry and a hassle-free experience.

Stadium gates open 2 hours before kick-off and re-entry is not allowed. No outside food or drinks are allowed inside Beaver Stadium. It’s important to note there is a clear bag policy for entry. All of your belongings must fit into a one-gallon plastic bag. A coat, blanket, camera, mobile device, binoculars, and seat cushion are the only permitted non-bagged loose items.

Tip: Don’t forget to try Penn State’s famous Berkey Creamery ice cream at the Stadium!

Gameday Gear

Showcasing your team spirit is an essential part of the game-day experience at Penn State. Decked out in blue and white, you’ll join a sea of devoted fans passionately cheering on the Nittany Lions. With the new season fast approaching, it’s time to get some new Nittany Lions game-day gear to rep at your tailgate.

Penn State Pop-up TentIf you want to rep Penn State with your pop-up tent, this is a great option from Rivalry that you can find on Amazon. Linked here. Or if you want to opt for a plain-colored tent, and spruce up your tailgate with other Penn State items, check out our Best Tailgate Tents: 2022 guide.


For the grill master in your group – these are a great way to rep your team all summer! They’d make for a great Father’s Day gift, too. Linked here.


If you want to start showing your team spirit soon, this is a great daily hat. You can find it here.

 

For all things attire, Fanatics: Penn State is a great place to start. They have something for every member of the family. Be sure to only buy when they have promotions running, which is quite often!

Nittany Lions Gameday Attire

Fanatics also has a fun Tailgate & Party section that has cute decorations, car decals, and tailgate games. Outside of cornhole (bags) games, I’d stick to Amazon for your bigger tailgate items like tents, tables, chairs, etc. Or your actual team’s ticket office.

If you’re thinking of upgrading some of your basic equipment, be sure to check out the following blogs:
Best Tailgate Grills

Wrap Up!

We have guided you through the essential aspects of game day, from securing your tickets to navigating the vibrant town of State College. We’ve shared insider tips on tailgating setup, alternative pre-game activities, and the thrilling post-game celebrations that await you. You now have the knowledge to create unforgettable memories and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Penn State football.

So, gather your friends, don your blue and white, and embrace the electric atmosphere that permeates every corner of Happy Valley. Let the anticipation build as you join the sea of devoted fans, all united by their love for the Nittany Lions. From the first kickoff to the final touchdown, savor every moment of the Penn State game-day experience.

If you have any other suggestions for tailgating at Penn State, be sure to leave them in the comments below for other fans to see! Or if you have any questions, throw them down there too so our community can help.

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Tailgate On!
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