This weekend is the Penn State vs. Ohio State football game and I am very excited. The game is actually taking place at State College. Beaver Stadium has been quiet for a long time so it is going to be a whole new experience getting to be at Penn State on game day. As a freshman, and due to the coronavirus, I have yet to experience this. One thing I was especially looking forward to this year was being able to attend Penn State football games. I believe game day is a whole new atmosphere up here in State College. The stadium fills up with fans all decorated in blue and white attire. Delicious aromas of food fill the air from people tailgating and celebrating all across campus. Watching the fans and student section cheer on football players gives me so much pride. I remember attending my first football game and it is something I will never forget. After going to that game, that was when I realized I wanted to be apart of the Penn State experience. I remember chanting “WE ARE” and it was such a fun memory. I knew at that moment that I wanted to be apart of the Penn State community.
I am so thankful that I chose to attend to live on campus in person as a freshman this year due to the coronavirus. I have made a lot of memories and learned a lot, and I feel like I would have missed out if I would not have come this semester. I have made a lot of friends that I have created such great bonds with. Although I am having a lot of fun, I do get sad at times that there are no events and things such as football games and tailgates. That is another reason why I am so excited for this weekend because I feel like this is my first real Penn State experience. It is also nice because the university has set up places for “watch parties” for students and staff. This is helpful because it still gives students opportunities to watch the game with friends along with following social distancing restrictions. They are offering spots for students at the Bryce Jordan Center, the softball, baseball, and lacrosse fields. My plans for my friends and I are to watch the game in the lounge area of our dorm hall. I am so excited to finally get this first experience at Penn State this weekend.
The picture I took at my first Penn State game
This is the Bryce Jordan Center where watch parties are taking place
Certainly a big disappointment missing freshman year football games, but I’m glad the university is taking steps to ensure the community can get together in a safe way. The game will be odd, especially due to the absence of fans, Halloween night, a blue moon, and College Gameday. I look forward to the first “normal” game that our class can experience.
I’m very embarrassed to admit this, but I have never been to a Penn State football game and I’ve lived in State College for seven years. I just never understood the hype over it and I don’t know football rules or guidelines so I would be lost watching the game anyways. However, I do respect this part of Penn State culture. Hopefully students will be more respectful during this game with regards to parties.
Have fun and be safe!