What to know about parking and traffic changes for Penn State’s homecoming parade & hockey game
It’s Homecoming Week in Happy Valley.
As Penn State gets set for its annual Homecoming parade at 6 p.m. Friday, fans headed to the 7 p.m. men’s hockey game against Niagara at Pegula Ice Arena can expect some traffic and parking changes.
The university encourages the public to arrive early, and to take note of the following changes.
Traffic Restrictions
To accommodate the parade route, the following roads will be closed until the conclusion of the parade, according to Penn State Athletics:
- Porter Road between Curtin Road and the southernmost entrance to the Jordan East parking area from 4:30 p.m. until parade units have left the area (expected to be around 6 p.m.).
- Curtin Road between University Drive and Porter Road from 4:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- Curtin Road between University Drive and Bigler Road from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- Bigler Road between Curtin Road and Pollock Road from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- Pollock Road between Bigler Road and Shortlidge Road from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- Shortlidge Road between Pollock Road and College Avenue from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- College Avenue between Shortlidge Road and Burrowes Road from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
- Burrowes Road between College Avenue and Curtin Road from 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
Visit Penn State’s transportation website for full details on Homecoming Parade traffic, parking and impacts to transit.
Cars, trucks and other vehicular traffic will be closed off from the parade route beginning at 5:30 p.m. until the end of the parade. Modes of transportation by motorists should be moved on College Avenue before the onset of the parade.
Men’s Hockey Parking
Fans who drive to the men’s hockey game on Friday may park at the Stadium West, Jordan East and Porter North lots. Prepaid parking is available for $5.50 through Penn State’s Park Mobile site until 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Fans can park on Friday for $10.
Men’s hockey premium permit holders will have access to the Yellow H Shields and Wagner lots from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Following 5:30 p.m., their premium permits will be accepted in general parking lots Jordan East and Stadium West.
Doors for Friday’s game will open early at 5 p.m. for fans who park early.
Parade parking
Those coming to campus for the parade may park in the following on-campus locations for $1 per hour:
- Nittany Parking Deck
- East Parking Deck
- West Deck
- HUB Deck (Vehicles will be unable to exit the HUB Deck from about 5:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the parade)
Parking is also available at the downtown State College garages.
Safety Reminders for Pedestrians
Fans who are walking from parking areas on campus have been asked to use the designated sidewalks and cross walks at intersections near Pegula Ice Arena. They’ve also been advised to avoid crossing mid-block because of the high traffic volume that is expected during the evening with less visibility.
ADA Parking
ADA parking will be available at the southwest corner of Stadium West for Friday’s men’s hockey game. This is located near the intersection of University Drive and Curtin Road. The parking area will only be accessible by Park Avenue. Parkers will need a valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate, along with a Penn State permit, pre-payment on ParkMobile or payment when entering the lot.
Fans are allowed the use of the circle at Lot Yellow H South, which is located near Gate C for both drop off and pick up. No public parking is available at the aforementioned lot.
This story was originally published October 21, 2021 at 6:50 PM.
