Penn State Football’s reputation speaks for itself and I could not wait to see what it was all about. I was filled with excitement the days leading up to last weekend’s game against West Virginia.To describe the experience in any single word would be an impossibility, so, today I want to do my best to describe to you the heart-pounding, adrenaline fueled day of my first ever Penn State football game. Game days start hours before the players take the field with the time-honored tradition of tailgating. Waking up Saturday morning, my friends and I put on our already prepped Penn State gear outfits and got ready to conquer the day. Living in East Halls and so close to the stadium, the few steps outside our dorm were already filled with people getting ready for their fun-filled day. I walked in awe as fans gathered in lots firing up grills, playing lawn games, and bonding over their love for football and Penn State. I was overwhelmed with such a great feeling of camaraderie and sense of community. This entry experience only led me to be more excited than ever to walk through the gates of Beaver Stadium. I was told by numerous upperclassmen to “get into the stadium early,” my friends and I took the suggestion seriously and were glad to see it paid off. The gates and stadium seats were swarmed with students and families piling in to get the best seats they could. Once my friends and I found seats to enjoy the game… kick off began. The stadium immediately erupted with over one hundred thousand people cheering and chanting. There was an infectious and electric energy within the stadium. Every touchdown, big play, and every moment of celebration is met with a wave of applause, singing, and chants. I found myself jumping, screaming, and high fiving my friends each time Drew Allar threw a touchdown pass or made a great play. It was not too long before I looked around to notice everyone else in the stadium doing the same. It is in one of those moments I understood the feeling of Penn State as a family and community, I truly felt the power of the statement “WE ARE.” Additionally, I cannot forget to mention the Penn State Blue Band that took the field right before the game and during half-time. The band filled the stadium with their incredible music and formations. I was blown away to see how perfectly and quickly they stand and change in formation. Particularly in the shape of the year 1989 as they played songs from the Taylor Swift album. However, it is not just the game itself that makes the experience so incredible but the traditions that add to the uniqueness of Penn State football games. From looking at the student section to looking beyond to the other spectators I could not help but imagine that many of them years ago were standing in the very stands I was. Penn State creates a family and home that I got to experience last Saturday and one that I am glad to say I get to experience for many more weeks throughout my time at Penn State and for as long as I can after I graduate. I truly can not wait for more games to come!