UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The No. 12/11 Penn State football team returns to Beaver Stadium to meet Purdue for a Homecoming tilt Saturday at noon. The game will air on ESPN and the Penn State Sports Network (airtime 10:30 a.m.).
Fans are encouraged to visit Game Day Central for all information as it relates to Penn State football game day traffic, parking, clear bag policy and information on the match up.
The Purdue game is the Generations of Greatness game in which the Nittany Lions will wear special uniforms to pay homage to the history of the program. The contest also caps Homecoming week with the various student, faculty and alumni courts being honored throughout the game.
Penn State Athletics is reminding patrons that Beaver Stadium gates will open two hours before kickoff for all games and strongly encourages fans to arrive early to Beaver Stadium. Early arriving fans will have an opportunity to receive up to a 20 percent discount at the concession stands (see below).
Parking Lots to Open at 7 a.m.; Advance-Sale Parking Exhausted
Due to an expected high volume of traffic for the noon kickoff, Penn State Athletics will open parking lots around the stadium at 7 a.m.
In addition, advanced-sale parking passes have been exhausted with a near-capacity crowd expected.
Fans without parking permits are encouraged to use the following to travel to Beaver Stadium on the day of the game:
- CATA and Fullington Shuttles: https://transportation.psu.edu/football-shuttles
- Campus Parking Decks and Lots including Red A at West Campus, East, Eisenhower (cash only) and Nittany: https://news.psu.edu/story/590992/2019/10/02/athletics/game-day-parking-sold-out-purdue-football-game
- Downtown State College Parking Decks: https://www.downtownstatecollege.com/get-around/parking-information/
- Grange Fair Satellite Lot: https://grangefair.com/2019-psu-tailgating/
With one-way traffic patterns in effect at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for a noon kickoff, fans are directed to access these areas only via the following routes:
East Deck
- From Atherton Street, travel east on Park Avenue, then turn right on Bigler Road.
Eisenhower Deck
- From College Avenue, travel north on University Drive, then turn left on Hastings Road, right on Bigler Road, and left on Eisenhower Road.
Nittany Deck
- From Atherton Street, travel east on Curtin Road, then turn left on Allen Road and left on Fischer Road.
- From College Avenue, travel north on Burrowes Road, then turn right on Curtin Road, left on Allen Road and left on Fischer Road.
Lot Red A
- From Atherton Street, turn onto White Course Drive.
East Deck is expected to reach capacity by early Saturday morning, so fans in need of parking are encouraged to travel directly to Eisenhower Deck, Nittany Deck or Red A.
Please note that tailgating is strictly prohibited at all campus parking decks. Fires of any kind, reserving spaces, and setting up in drive isles or other parking spaces is also strictly prohibited.
Vehicles must exit the parking decks and Lot Red A by 6 p.m. Sunday.
One Way Traffic Pattern Begins at 8:30 a.m.
The one-way traffic pattern will go into effect at 8:30 a.m. Fans without a parking pass will not be permitted to enter the traffic pattern on game day.
Fans are asked to please display their parking permit from their rear-view mirror as they enter the traffic pattern. Patrons should approach their parking lot as directed on the back of their parking permit.
Velveeta to Perform; Fans Can Take Photo with NaVorro Bowman During Pregame
Fan Fest on Curtin Road begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Beaver Stadium ticket office, near Gate E, and the student resolution booth at Gate A open at 8 a.m. Team arrival presented by Lion Country Lodging is scheduled for approximately 9:30 a.m. and the stadium gates will open at 10 a.m., including the students' Gate A.
During the team arrival, the Nittany Lions' team captains will hand out footballs signed by the captains and head coach James Franklin to fans lined up on Curtin Road.
Fans can take photos with All-American and All-Pro NFL player NaVorro Bowman and the 2008 Big Ten Championship trophy from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the team arrival area, on Curtin Road near the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium on. Velveeta will play on the stage near the south tunnel of the stadium on Curtin Road from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
Generations of Greatness
Penn State is turning back the clock for its "Generations of Greatness" game, as the Nittany Lions will don uniforms with designs elements from uniforms past. Penn State last wore its "Generations of Greatness" uniforms in 2017 against Indiana.
Uniform Elements
- Numbers on Helmets – The Nittany Lions had the number on the side of their helmet from 1959-61 and then again from 1967-74. A No. 42 also appeared on the side of every Penn State helmet in the season finale against Wisconsin in 2012 to honor injured senior Michael Mauti.
- Block Uniform Numbers – The block uniform numbers are similar to those uniform numbers that donned the Blue & White from mid-1950s-66.
- White Stripe on Sleeve – Penn State's uniform had a white stripe on the sleeve several times, including 1957-66, 1982-89 and 1992-2011.
- Stripe on the Pants – The Nittany Lions had a blue stripe on their pants from 1952-68.
- Gray Facemask – The gray facemask was donned by the Nittany Lions from 1959-86.
- White Cleats – The white cleats were worn by the Nittany Lions in the 1979 Sugar Bowl.
- Gloves – The gloves will feature the Lion Shrine on the palm of the hands.
- Lion Shrine – The image of Lion Shrine appears on the "home plate" of the front of the jersey. It is an original element of the "Generations of Greatness" uniform to pay homage to the Lion Shrine that was a gift from the Class of 1940.
- Back Inside Collar – The back inside collar of the jersey reads "Penn State 1959" in recognition of the first Liberty Bowl game, played in Philadelphia. Penn State defeated Alabama, 7-0.
Highway Projects Could Impact Football Traffic
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting drivers that they could encounter delays as they travel to Beaver Stadium this fall, with restrictions and changes coming from the Harrisburg area via U.S. 322.
For information about the construction and travel restrictions, visit www.penndot.gov. Motorists can stay up-to-date on the latest travel conditions by visiting www.511PA.com.
Spotted Lanternfly in Pennsylvania
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that is then threatening northeastern United States, particularly southeastern Pennsylvania. SLF presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery industries, which collectively are worth nearly $18 billion to the state's economy. Fans are asked to inspect their vehicles before their trip to the game to ensure the SLP is not traveling on their vehicle to prevent the spread of this insect.
So far, the insect has been contained to a quarantine zone consisting of 14 counties -- Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill -- and those on the frontlines of combating the pest want to keep it that way. However, these bugs are great hitchhikers, and after the last home game there were two sightings of the pest reported from University Park. Both areas were surveyed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and no other spotted lanternflies were found. It appears they were brought into the area by visitors.
Penn State is asking visitors, especially those coming from southeastern Pennsylvania, to take the following precautions before traveling:
- Walk around your vehicle and check closely for any spotted lanternfly adults and/or nymphs; particularly check the windshield wiper area, bumpers and wheel wells. Be certain to check inside the vehicle as well. In fall and winter, also look for egg masses, which have the appearance of mud splatters.
- Check any piece of equipment or item that you will be transporting that has been outdoors in the quarantine area -- such as grills, tents, tables or yard games.
- Do not park your RV or other vehicles under trees in the quarantine zone. Always keep your windows up.
- Check yourself before getting into any vehicle to make sure there are no spotted lanternfly nymphs or adults on you.
For more information on the Spotted Lanternfly and how to report a sighting, please visit https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly.
New Game Day Traffic Pattern and Parking Improvements
In an effort to address traffic and parking challenges on football game day, Penn State Athletics announced last November several improvements for traffic and parking for the 2019 season. These improvements are being implemented after evaluation of the operation by the University with a national consultant, SP+.
Once the one-way traffic pattern begins, fans will be required to travel to their specific Beaver Stadium lot, from one of four traffic zones that have been created (North, South, East and West). All parking permits will have zone and lot specific driving direction instructions.
Once the one-way traffic pattern begins, vehicles that attempt to access their parking lot via the incorrect traffic zone will be re-routed to the correct zone, delaying the arrival time to their parking lot.
Post-Game One-Way Traffic Pattern in Effect for Approximately 90 Minutes
University Police has indicated to ICA that the vast majority of pedestrian traffic typically clears the Beaver Stadium area approximately 90 minutes after a game ends. The out-bound one-way traffic pattern will be in effect from the of end of the contest for approximately 90 minutes and fans will be required to leave their lot via the directions for their specific traffic zone. During the vast majority of the game, there is a normal traffic pattern around Beaver Stadium.
Once the one-way out-bound traffic pattern ends (approximately 90 minutes after the game), fans will be able to exit their lot and leave the stadium vicinity via any route.
Happy Valley Hospitality
Happy Valley Hospitality promotes the positivity and welcoming atmosphere the Penn State fanbase is known for. Happy Valley Hospitality representatives will be located throughout the stadium area in 10 customer service booths and fans are encouraged to seek assistance at these locations. All of this will go towards enhancing the game day experience and environment for the best fans in college sports.
New Phone Charging Stations Available Inside and Outside of the Stadium
Penn State Athletics has added charging stations outside of Beaver Stadium at Gate A along Curtin Road and between Gates B and C, near the ADA entrance. There will also be charging stations located inside the stadium at the customer service kiosks at Gates B, C and E. In addition, the Bryce Jordan Center will also be open on game days (with the exception of the Military Appreciate game vs. Indiana) with charging stations available until kickoff.
Fans Encouraged to Participate in Game Day Recycling; Bottles and Cans in Blue Bags
Fans are encouraged to be environmentally responsible and participate in Penn State's recycling and sustainability efforts by separating recyclable items before, during and after the game. Blue recycling bags and clear trash bags are located throughout the Beaver Stadium parking lots, including the entrance to most lots.
Bottles and cans only should be placed in the blue recycling bags. All other items should be placed in the clear trash bags. Bags should be securely closed and left where fans parked and they will be picked up after the lots close.
Concessions Discounts for Early Arriving Fans; Beaver Stadium Gates Open at 10 a.m.
Early arriving fans every Saturday will have an opportunity to receive discounts at the concession stands and watch other college football games on the stadium videoboards. Beaver Stadium gates open this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Some of the incentives are:
- Fans will receive up to a 20 percent concessions discount ($1 off a $5 purchase, $2 off a $10 purchase etc.) during the first 45 minutes after the gates are open. Cash, credit card and LionCash purchases are accepted at the concourse concession stands.
- Other college football games will be shown on the stadium videoboards starting two hours before kickoff until approximately 70 minutes before the game. For noon games, highlights of previous Penn State games will be shown on the videoboards.
Fans reminded of Security Screening and Penn State Athletics Bag Policy
Penn State will provide security screening for all guests at the entry gates using metal detection wands. With this security measure in place, all public gates, including the ADA and student gates, will open two hours prior to kickoff to provide ample time for all fans to pass through security. Fans will be asked to remove items from their pockets upon entering the stadium. Umbrellas are not permitted in Beaver Stadium.
Backpacks, bags, and purses are not permitted in Beaver Stadium. Personal items can be placed in a clear bag that is no larger than 11" x 11" x 0" (one gallon) and wristlets (no larger than 4" x 6" x 1"). Patrons can expedite the entry process by not bringing a bag into Beaver Stadium. For fans with medical or childcare needs, please place those items in an 11" x 11" x 0" clear bag or a one-gallon clear bag prior to arriving at the stadium gates. All items are subject to inspection. Any items left unattended at the gates will be discarded and unrecoverable.
For parking maps, the bag policy and a complete list of items prohibited from entry into Beaver Stadium, fans should go to Penn State Football Game Day Central: GoPSUsports.com/gameday.
Fans are reminded that they may enter Beaver Stadium at any of Gates B, C, D, E and F and use the ground level concourse to get to their seating section. During games last season, fans who entered at Gates D, F and C (in order) saw reduced wait times during the two hours the gates were open before kickoff, while fans who entered at Gates B and E experienced heavier volume and longer waits. ADA patrons should enter the facility at the ADA Gate near Gate B on the west side of the stadium.
Fans Can Ride Uber to and From Beaver Stadium
Penn State Athletics and Uber continue their rideshare partnership. Penn State and Uber have established pick up and drop off zones with custom signage outside Beaver Stadium. The Uber zones have been integrated into the Uber app, so that riders and drivers will have precise directions on where to meet.
Guest Services Booths Inside and Outside Beaver Stadium
Penn State has two guest services booths outside the stadium, in addition to locations inside the facility, to assist fans prior to and following the game. The first booth is located at the intersection of Park Avenue and University Drive, near the intramural fields, and the second booth is at the intersections of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road near the Ag Arena. The two booths outside the stadium will open three hours before kickoff.
Inside Beaver Stadium, guest services booths are located at Gates B, C, E and F on the field level. There also is a guest services booth on the North concourse, two on the South concourse and one in the North upper deck.
Fan assistance also is provided by the customer relations staff, by texting the word "Nittany"
your issue and location to the phone number 69050, or by calling 1-800-NITTANY.
Share Your Feedback This Season
Creating a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience to our fans is of the utmost importance to our team. To ensure we are delivering on that promise and always improving, fans will be receiving a post-game survey by email after every home game this season. We encourage fans to provide feedback about their experience so we can better serve them at future events.
Waze Helps Fans #RunYourRoute
Penn State has worked with Waze to develop directional tools to assist fans in being sure they run their route as they head to games. Fans can enter their lot number into the Waze app and will be instructed the appropriate route to run based on the new traffic pattern. Waze instructions will also be available via the Penn State Athletics app.
Fans can engage with Penn State Athletics via the Nittany Lions' social media accounts at: gopsusports.com/socialaccounts.aspx.
The Nittany Lions' remaining home schedule includes Big Ten games against Michigan (Oct. 19 – Penn State White Out), Indiana (Nov. 15) and Rutgers (Nov. 30 – Senior Day).
Single-game tickets are available for the 2019 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU. Fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.