Penn State touts improvements to Beaver Stadium ahead of Saturday's home opener

A new farm-to-stage concession concept, Gate C expansion and an improved clear-bag policy are among the changes coming to Happy Valley this fall.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – With Penn State’s home opener against Ohio Saturday at Beaver Stadium, fans will soon begin to make their way back to Happy Valley.

When they arrive, Nittany Lion fans will notice a few changes have been made to the venue, the university said in a press release on Wednesday.

Most notably, Gate C has been expanded to facilitate the entry process on the northwest side of Beaver Stadium, Penn State said.

In addition, a new fan-friendly clear bag policy and a new location for buying parking spaces are in effect on the day, the university said.

Penn State also advised fans to reinstall the Penn State Athletics mobile app ahead of Saturday’s home opener.

Here are all the new additions fans can expect to see Saturday, according to Penn State Athletics:

IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES INPUT

• Mobile ticketing remains the method of delivery for Penn State Football tickets for all games at Beaver Stadium. Mobile ticketing improves ticket delivery and management.
• Be sure to download mobile tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your phone before match day.
• For step-by-step instructions on how to do this, visit gopsusports.com/mobiletickets.
• Several charging stations are located in and around the Beaver Stadium, as well as the stands for external customer relations. The kiosks have charging units and adapters for iOS and Android devices.
• To assist with the entry process at the gate, there are mobile ticket scanners and walk-through metal detectors at each entry point. There will be additional magnetometers and signage at several gates this season for enhanced security screening to streamline access to the gates.
• To facilitate entry, fans are encouraged to enter the stadium as early as possible and receive a concession discount ($1 off every $5 spent) for the first 45 minutes after the gates open at select food concessions.

Fans advised to reinstall the Penn State Athletics mobile app

• The official Penn State Athletics mobile app has moved.
• If fans downloaded the mobile app before April 28, 2022, they will need to download a new app, as the app that was used last year is no longer supported.
• If your app is called “Nittany Lions,” you have the current Penn State Athletics app.
• If fans aren’t sure if they downloaded the Penn State Athletics app before April 28, 2022, follow these instructions to confirm.
  • First, completely uninstall the previous version of the app on your phone.
  • Second, go to the Google Play or App Store on your phone and find “Penn State Nittany Lions” and click the download button.
  • If fans need further assistance, please visit gopsusports.com/mobiletickets or email support at golions@psu.edu.

Penn State University’s Updated Baggage Policy

• Penn State University’s policy has undergone several revisions.
• To make clear bag policies more fan-friendly and to align with major event policies across the country, the size of bags allowed has been increased. Clear carrier bags, which may measure 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller, are allowed.
• In addition, a small clutch or wristband measuring 4” x 6” x 1” is still allowed.
• Full information on the university’s updated bag policy can be found here.
• For questions or additional information, please contact the office of the Associate Vice President, Police & Public Safety.

Improvements made to Gate C . entrance

• The Gate C entrance on the north side of Beaver Stadium has been expanded to ease the entry process and reduce congestion.
• The expansion will also improve fan circulation around the stadium’s exterior with extended walkways.

PREGAME AND TAILGATING IMPROVEMENTS

Penn State Announces New and Improved Beaver Stadium Block Party

• Penn State Athletics announced the addition of the Beaver Stadium Block Party for the 2022 season.
• The Block Party takes place on Curtin Road, between University Drive and Porter Road.
• Fans can expect food, football and fun every week with various activities along Curtin Road, such as inflatable games, fan photo booths, food trucks, caricature artists and more.
• Stop by the Penn State Athletics Marketing tables to pick up the Penn State Football poster and buttons.
• Live music will be performed on the main team finishing stage for all off-afternoon kick-off matches.
• Penn State Bookstore Merchandise trailers selling officially licensed Penn State gear are distributed along Curtin Road.
• Cheer on the team as they arrive at Beaver Stadium two hours before kick-off at the Team Arrival Pep Rally featuring the Penn State Cheerleaders, Lionettes Dance Team, Penn State Blue Band and the Nittany Lion Mascot.
• The Penn State Blue Band marches through the center of the Block Party about an hour before the start of each game.
• Bathrooms are open and available to fans in both the Bryce Jordan Center (through Gates A and B) and Medlar Field in Lubrano Park.

New Tailgate Cabanas Available Along Curtin Road

• In partnership with REVELxp, exclusive Tailgate Cabanas will be set up along Curtin Road in the heart of the Beaver Stadium Block Party.
• Cabanas offers a close-up view of the Nittany Lions team walking into Beaver Stadium.
• Each Tailgate Cabana can accommodate 10-15 fans and includes a tent, tables, chairs and a reserved parking pass. Catering options are available to provide guests with a VIP experience.
• If you would like to rent one for a game, please contact Sam Starrett at sam.starrett@revelxp.com.

New Holland’s Farm to Stadium Concession Stand on display at Beaver Stadium this fall

• New Holland, a proud sponsor of Penn State Athletics, will showcase a unique, farm-to-stadium, first concession concept at Beaver Stadium, located at the field level in the northwest corner of the stadium behind Section NC and ND.
• Jason Scott, a local farmer who uses New Holland equipment and his Scott’s Roasting concession stand, will be offering barbecue-themed dishes including pulled pork sandwich, pork in a dish, nachos with loaded pork, loose sausage, sausage in a dish, and loaded sausage nachos.

• The following new items will be offered at selected locations in the stadium.
  • Buffalo chicken sandwich served with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
  • Loaded fries with white cheddar cheese, brisket and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
  • Bavarian soft pretzel.
  • Two special hot dog locations that serve:
    • Nittany Dog – regular hot dog
    • Chili Cheese Dog
    • Philly Dog – served with cheesesteak meat and white cheddar cheese
    • Pork skin – served with BBQ pork
• Bottled water will be available this season at all temporary and permanent concession stands, increasing the number of locations by 140 outlets.
• Penn State is also introducing grab-and-go dining locations, serving snacks such as UTZ chips.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC CHANGES

Game Day traffic pattern remains in effect

• Penn State Football’s game day traffic pattern will be back in place this season.
• Go to gopsussports.com/gameday to learn your route to Beaver Stadium before you leave for the game.
• One-way traffic patterns begin four hours before kick-off and 8:30 AM for afternoon games.
• With the Atherton Street construction project underway at State College, fans are asked to stay informed about construction and travel restrictions by visiting www.penndot.gov. Motorists can also keep up to date with the latest travel conditions at www.511PA.com. All lanes will remain open Friday and Saturday.

New Game Parking Lot Purchase Location

• New this year: Wildpark is no longer available for purchase at selected lots and can only be purchased (cash or credit) at lot 36.
• The match day parking sale begins when the lots open until they are sold out or kick-off, whichever comes first.
• Pre-purchased general parking lots cost $50 per car, while paying to park on match day on arrival on the general lots costs $60.
• Fans are encouraged to purchase parking tickets in advance not only to take advantage of the savings, but also to make traffic and parking operations smoother by displaying the pass as they approach roads to the stadium parking.
• Fans can purchase up to three prepaid parking tickets for one game per account, per game.
• More information about parking and traffic can be found at: gopsusports.com/gameday.

Fans interested in visiting Beaver Stadium this fall can head to ticketmaster.com/pennstate to purchase tickets today.