College Football Now

Here’s How My Family and I Prepare For Penn State Football Games in Happy Valley

Being a proud Penn State alumni, avid Penn State sports fan, and frequent football game attendee in Happy Valley, I have the Penn State football game day program down to pretty much a science.  I tried it so often that I can virtually tell you moment by moment the preparation and routine I go through with my loved ones, all starting with when I put on my Penn State jersey.  Everything leads up to my favorite occasions of the year:  Penn State football games.

You will find 7 days during the fall every year that I totally adore.  Those are the 7 home games which Penn State plays football in State College, Pennsylvania.  I’ve been going to these types of games since I was in college, and its just been a routine for me and my loved ones for many years.  I try not to skip a game if at all possible.

Going to a game in Happy Valley is special.  The environment is as good as it will get in college football.  State College, Pennsylvania is right in the center of the state of Pennsylvania, and as you descend into the city, it feels like everybody in the state is coming next to you.  You believe way when you arrive in the parking lots and see the RVs and tailgaters as far as the eye is able to see.

Penn State Football

My personal routine starts off early on in the morning as I get myself and my loved ones outfitted in Penn State clothing.  Personally, I never go to PSU football games without put on my luck Penn State jersey.  Because I love to sit in or near the student area, and they have a tradition of putting on white for the Penn State “White Out” effect, I’ve got a white Penn State football jersey.  My wife has a Penn State ladies jersey and my kids have Penn State youth jerseys.

Though the gear does not stop with jerseys, because there is plenty more.  If it is cold, we might layer up with a Penn State sweatshirt as well.  A fleece one is perfect if it is a cold late in the season game.  White, blue, or even gray Penn State sweatshirts are good as well, I’ve got them all in my wardrobe.  My loved ones and I also have PSU hats, t-shirts, and overcoats, therefore whatever Penn State gear is needed for that day’s condition, we now have.

Next, all of us load up the vehicle with tailgating gear.  The main products would be the basic:  chairs, barbeque grill, coolers, meals, and beverages.  I have a Penn State Chair which I’ve had forever which i bring to every game, and I personally use it extensive before and after games.  We have about a 2 hr drive to State College, so all of us generally leave about 6-7 hours prior to kick-off.

We’ve had the same parking place within State College for several years, and it’s where we tailgate with our other Penn State fans.  All of us like to get there early to set up the barbeque grill, furniture, chairs, and some games (we love to play corn hole).  Fortunately, we now have other tailgaters having a portable satellite dish and Tvs to ensure that we are able to view all of the afternoon college football games (particularly Big 10 games) whilst preparing for the big game.

The most important part of tailgating is actually socializing with friends, however food preparation and consumption is important as well.  We turn up the actual grill early and ensure that it stays going all day.  Generally several kinds of meats get tossed on, personally I like any type of red meat to go with my adult drink during tailgating.  Don’t forget to have ample ice and mixers.

Tailgating is enjoyable, but I usually help remind everyone that the main reason we’re there is for the game.  I like to be within Beaver Stadium twenty minutes prior to kick-off.  This enables me to soak in all the pre-game festivities, such as the teams running out on the field, Joe Paterno’s entry, and the actual incredible sound associated with 100,000 fans screaming “Let’s Go….Penn State”.

These are my personal favorite 7 days of the year.

Tags: CollegeFootball, PennState, PennStatefootball, pennstatejersey, pennstatesweatshirt