Block party, new food and bag policy changes. This is what’s new at Beaver Stadium this season
Penn State football’s home opener is Saturday, with a number of changes in place that even the most seasoned fan should know before heading back to Beaver Stadium.
Penn State is continuing to use mobile-only tickets for the 2022-2023 season. Fans are encouraged to download their tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay ahead of game day and to install the Penn State Athletics Mobile App. Ticket and mobile scanners will be at every entry point of the stadium to expedite the process of entering the game.
If fans enter the stadium early, they “will receive a concessions discount ($1 off every $5 spent) for the first 45 minutes after gates open at select food concessions stands,” according to a release from Penn State Athletics.
Fans will also see changes at Gate C, which has been expanded for a freer-flowing entry way into the stadium.
Bag policy changes
Fans are allowed to enter the game with clear tote bags, which can be 12-by-6-by-12 inches or smaller and a small clutch or wristlet, the university said.
Items that can fit in fans’ pockets should remain there, such as sunscreen, phones, keys, wallets, glasses, cameras, lip balm and makeup. Otherwise, those items should be transferred to the one-gallon plastic bag. Backpacks are not allowed under any circumstances. All clear bags will be checked by security in line.
Fans are allowed to bring loose items:
- Coat
- Blanket
Seat cushion that can be rolled and that does not have pockets
iPad or other mobile devices
Camera (no camera bags)
Binoculars (no case or bag)
Babies may be brought into games in soft baby carriers or slings, but sturdy-framed baby and toddler carriers and strollers are not allowed. Knives or razor blades of any kind are also not allowed.
New Beaver Stadium Block Party
Curtin Road will host a number of changes to its pregame festivities with the addition of a block party for fans. The pregame setup will include caricature artists, food trucks, inflatable games, photo booths and more. Posters, buttons and pins will be handed out by Penn State Marketing at its table. Officially licensed Penn State merchandise from the bookstore will be sold by vendors along Curtin Road.
Live music is set to be performed ahead of the Nittany Lions’ arrival to Beaver Stadium. Penn State cheerleaders, the Lionettes Dance Team, the Blue Band and the Nittany Lion mascot will rally beginning two hours ahead of kickoff. The Blue Band will march down the middle of Curtin Road one hour before the game.
New Tailgate Cabanas will also be set up along Curtin Road and available for fans to rent. For more information on rentals, email sam.starrett@revelxp.com.
Game Day Traffic Pattern
One-way traffic patterns around State College will begin four hours before the game and at 8:30 a.m. for noon matchups. Atherton Street’s construction project is ongoing and fans are encouraged to visit www.penndot.gov and www.511PA.com for more details. All lanes will stay open on Friday and Saturday.
Game day parking passes
Game day parking tickets are unavailable at most lots and can only be purchased at Lot 36 and sales will begin with the opening of the lots until they’re sold out or kickoff. Parking passes purchased in advance are $50 per car and game day or general lots will cost $60.
Fans are encouraged to buy parking passes ahead of time to curb traffic congestion and aid parking operations by displaying their pass as they drive on roads near stadium parking. Each account can purchase up to three game day parking passes.
More information on parking and traffic can be found at gopsusports.com/gameday.
What’s new to eat?
New Holland, a sponsor of Penn State Athletics, will open a farm-to-stadium stand in the northwest corner of the stadium (behind sections NC and ND). Jason Scott of Scott’s Roasting concession stand will provide barbecue items including a pulled pork sandwich, pork in-a-dish, loaded pork nachos, loose sausage sub, sausage in-a-dish and loaded sausage nachos.
“Through this first-of-its kind initiative, Penn State and New Holland are recognizing the Pennsylvania farmers that keep us fed,” Mark Lowery, director of commercial marketing for New Holland North America, said in a written statement.
Beaver Stadium will offer a number of new items in select areas throughout the stadium, including:
- Buffalo chicken sandwich served with blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Loaded fries featuring white cheddar cheese, brisket and a barbecue sauce drizzle
- Bavarian soft pretzel
- Two specialty hot dog locations serving: Nittany Dog – plain hot dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Philly Dog – served with cheesesteak meat and white cheddar cheese, Pig Skin – served with BBQ pork
