Concerts, stadium run and more: Your guide to Penn State’s Blue-White weekend
The weather is warming up just in time for Penn State’s Blue-White weekend.
On Saturday, Beaver Stadium will welcome fans back for the first time since the Nittany Lions hosted the first round of the College Football Playoff against SMU in December, when snow dusted the seats.
With ongoing construction, the Blue-White game will look a little different in 2025. Fans can only enter through Gates A and E starting at 12:30 p.m., and the game kicks off at 2 p.m.
However, in addition to the yearly spring game, there’s several other events happening around the Penn State and State College communities for all to enjoy.
Here’s a look at some of the options:
Center for the Performing Arts concert
On Friday, before football grabs the attention of many, the Eisenhower Auditorium is concluding its 50th year celebration with “50 Forward: Beethoven’s Ninth Revisited” presented by the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for those 18 and younger. University Park students can purchase tickets for $10.
The program will feature “Inspiration! — Festive Overture” by Quinn Mason, “blue cathedral” by Jennifer Higdon and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony featuring the Penn State School of Music choirs.
Beaver Stadium Apparel Sale and Memorabilia Auction
Want a piece of Beaver Stadium? Well, on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena, Lion Surplus is running a Blue-White Apparel and Equipment Sale.
Items from the old Beaver Stadium press box as well as bleacher tops from the west side of the stadium will be for sale in addition to team-issued apparel.
On Monday, more stadium memorabilia is up for grabs in an online auction. Items will be added each day through the summer with auctions lasting for one week.
For more information, contact Lion Surplus at surplus@psu.edu.
Autograph session
Prior to hitting the gridiron, Penn State football players will be signing posters for fans from 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday.
Here’s who will be at each gate:
Gate A — linebackers and defensive line
Gate B — quarterbacks, wide receivers, specialists
Gate E — running backs and offensive line
Legacy Plaza — tight ends and defensive backs
After the football players head to the locker room, Penn State’s women’s volleyball and wrestling National Champion teams will also be signing autographs for fans at Gate B and at Legacy Plaza from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
State Theatre concert
Finish off your Blue-White Saturday downtown at The State Theatre for the Amy Winehouse celebration: “Back to Back to Black.”
A 12-piece band will play the entire 2006 Grammy Award-winning album and other Winehouse hits.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Beaver Stadium Run for Special Olympics
The 16th Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run for Special Olympics wraps up Blue-White weekend on Sunday.
Last year nearly $500,000 was raised for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, which is used to cover the costs of athletes participating at the 2025 SOPA Summer Games held at Penn State in June.
The race starts at 11 a.m. and participants have the option to run the 5K or the 2-mile Family-Fun Walk.
State College Mac and Cheese Festival
For those who don’t feel like running, the Penn State Hotel and Conference Center welcomes the State College Mac & Cheese Festival.
Centre County restaurants are putting their best mac and cheese dishes to the test for awards in four categories: The Cheesiest, Most Like Mom’s, Most Original and People’s Choice.
Tickets are currently sold out but those interested can join a waitlist and will be notified if additional tickets become available. All sales benefit Centre Safe, an organization dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking.