Sure, everyone’s heard about big rivalry games such as the intense Florida-Florida State match up, the historic Notre Dame-USC game, the burning Auburn-Alabama contest, or the impossibly competitive Oregon-Oregon State meet up. And, the Penn State rivalry against Wisconsin was second to none this year. But, did you know that college football tailgates have gotten just as competitive as the games themselves? Game day tailgates in Happy Valley, home of the legendary Nittany Lions, are no exception.
College football tailgating can be an awesome experience. Where else can you find thousands of fans hanging out, in full team regalia, hours and hours before the big game? Indeed, nothing like the old alma mater to give grown men and women a big reason to party down. Each year, tailgating parties seem to get bigger and bigger, kinda like the players themselves. But, despite the revelry inherent in throwing a game-day feast, the rules are nothing to sniff at. Violations can get you tossed out of the lot or worse.
College Football Tailgating Basics
First and foremost, a successful college football tailgating party centers on the portable barbecue grill. And, not any grill will do, so shop carefully. You need a grill large enough to cook burgers, hot dogs, wings and more. Creature comforts are also important to enhance the college football tailgating experience. You need portable comfortable chairs and tables. Table cloths make it oh-so-much-more-elegant. Don’t forget to bring along bug spray, matches or lighters, charcoal or kindling, and it’s always nice to have a decent fire pit on hand for chilly nights. (But, some stadiums limit these items so check with the stadium before you bring them.) Finally, proper attire is essential and experienced tailgaters and game goers know how to dress for both the weather and the show.
No joke: you’ve got to show up early for a college football game, especially at Penn State where the fans, young and old, are as legendary as the team itself. The earlier the better. And, don’t forget cash for parking. Stadium parking lots typically open around 7 a.m. and fill up quicker than anything. Keep in mind, the early bird gets the worm, so the sooner you arrive, the closer you can park to the game. And, if you’re en route to Happy Valley for your very first Penn State football tailgate, you better read on.
Tailgating Rules & Regulations – Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Just like every other stadium out there, Penn State has its rules for tailgating. And, you better pay attention or you’ll be out of luck and out of the lot before you can pass “Go.” Beaver Stadium is one of the largest football stadiums in the nation. So, safety and crowd control is paramount in Happy Valley. Here are 5 important rules you need to know before you set out for your Penn State football game and tailgate party:
1. Overnight parking is available for recreational vehicles (RVs). RVs are admitted on Thursdays after 6 p.m. ($120 Thursday-Sunday; $60 Friday-Sunday.) The parking area can accept vehicles whose total length does not exceed 40 feet. No electrical hookups are available. Parking for Nittany Lion football is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Alcohol is allowed but not during game time. Beer and alcohol is allowed on site. Glass containers are prohibited in grassy parking areas. Game goers are encouraged to drink responsibly. Otherwise, parking spaces are available in an alcohol-free area adjacent to Beaver Stadium.
3. Open Flames and Generators are prohibited. Charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at Beaver Stadium. Small-scale cooking and warming equipment is permissible with L.P. Gas/bottled gas (20 pounds max); Liquid fuel stoves (e.g. Coleman); and, canned heat. Portable generators in tailgate areas are not permitted. Penn State game goers are urged to exercise caution during tailgates.
4. Parking Lot Opens Early. Beaver Stadium parking lots open at 7 am for noon games, and 8 am for all other Nittany Lion games. Get there early for a good spot for your tailgate.
5. Important Tailgate Area Restrictions. Tables, chairs, and other tailgating items must be placed in the front or rear of the vehicle. These items are not allowed to block or restrict roadways. Tents and canopies may be used, but there are restrictions on areas and use of stakes. Call Beaver Stadium for more details.
