Penn State Tailgating Guide

No Ohio State at home this year. No Iowa or Wisconsin either. Gotta wait ‘till next year for Alabama. The biggest home game this year might be…Temple?! Okay you get the point. The 2010 home football schedule isn’t looking all that exciting. But the lack of enthusiasm for the action on the field should be made up for in the lots surrounding Beaver Stadium!

When Sports Illustrated named Penn State “The Greatest Show in College Football,” it was referring to much more than just the football. Nittany Lion fans are notorious for throwing some of the best tailgates in the country. How many other schools open up their RV lots on Thursday nights? Before the game, after the game, and sometimes during the game (just don’t drink!)…you’re sure to find a party in the parking lots.

Looking to boost your tailgating skills this football season? Check out our tips on how to be a Nittany Lion Tailgate King this season.

Get Your Gear

First thing’s first…you have to look official. No tailgate legend shows up to the lots in anything except blue and white (unless you’re REALLY old school and decide on pink and black). Visit The Family Clothesline, Old State Clothing Company or Lion's Pride for your 2010 jerseys, White-Out shirts, and more. There’s no name on Penn State’s jerseys, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one on yours. Talk to Old State and Lion’s Pride about getting a custom jersey with your name and number this season.

The lots open at 8:00 a.m. (7:00 a.m. for a noon game), so it’s going to be cool during those early morning tailgate setups. Check out Harper's Men Store for their line of casual-upscale Penn State apparel. Harper’s signature Penn State item is their blue and white “S” sweater. The sweater is handmade from lambswool in Scotland. Once you put it on, you won’t want to take it off. It’s been keeping Penn State fans warm for generations.

Leave It to the Experts

Dread all the prep work and storing food for the trip to the stadium? Prefer to just show up and have fun? No problem. Happy Valley has more than its share of gameday dining professionals.

Harrison's, located in the Hilton Garden Inn just down E. College Ave. from the stadium is ready to help you with your football gathering. Call ahead for tailgate platters (like Herb & Garlic Cheese w/ Crisps & Fresh Veggies) or pints and quarts to go. They can make it even easier for you with sample menus you can choose from! Contact them at 814‑237‑4422 and plan an award-winning tailgate from one of Happy Valley’s best.

Everyone knows Damon's for its sporty atmosphere and huge portions of fan‑friendly food. On gameday, the Damon’s crew heads outside and cooks up delicious ribs, pulled pork, and other tailgate favorites right along College Avenue. Call ahead at 814‑237‑6300 to place your order, or swing by before or after the game! You barely have to get out of your car.

Don’t forget the beverages (as if, right?) Visit W.R. Hickey, the closest beer distributor to Beaver Stadium, and master supplier of Yuengling, Anheuser‑Busch, Heineken, Troegs and Labatt (to name just a few). You can also pick up soda and ice there. It’s your one-stop shop for all your beverage needs.

Deck Out your Table

Forget about those disposable plastic tablecloths!

Do your part to help the environment and show your Penn State Pride with 100% spun polyester, stain‑resistant and washable tablecloths and napkins/rally rags by Fan Material! Officially licensed by Penn State, you can cover your table with a 52” x 52” round or huge 52” x 90” cloth, or check out their 17” square napkins that double as rally rags! Buy them at the Fan Material tent next to Damon’s on gameday, or other spots like Wegmans and the Family Clothesline.

Be Prepared

It never hurts to have pretty much anything you can think of on hand – you’ll probably be surprised what you’ll use. Here is a quick list, I imagine you will have plenty more!

First‑aid kit and medicine, matches or lighter, scissors, fire extinguisher, rain gear, sunblock, paper towels, tissues, wet naps, Ziploc bags and disposable plastic containers, garbage bags (remember to recycle!), can opener, serving spoons, plastic cups, plates and plastic silverware, cutting board and knives, extra chairs (for unexpected guests), oven mitts, apron… the list could go on and on! Keep a list handy and note anything you forget so you are even better prepared next time!

Well there you have it: The Happy Valley guide to a successful tailgate. If you bring the fun and friends, the rest will take care of itself. Stay tuned to HappyValley.com for more tailgating ideas, resources, and information as the season goes on! Bring on the Penguins!