Article Summary:

Article Content:
Penn State Nittany Lion Tailgating: Top Things to Consider

Tailgating for Penn State football games has definitely become first class over many years as Joe Paterno has established the program to the top of the ranks, and the fan following along with it. The sales of Penn State apparel has exploded along with it, and gamedays in State College are filled with people wearing a Penn State sweatshirt, Penn State t-shirt, or Penn State football jersey, usually as part of a “White Out”. Penn State tickets are in high demand, and Beaver Stadium is always packed.

True tailgating for Penn State games takes proper gear and methods. To begin, you need a proper tailgating spot. Location is key. This all comes down to being or knowing a Nittany Lion Alumni Club member with good ranking that has a good parking spot. The Nittany Lion Club utilizes a variety of parking lots on campus close (and some very close) to Beaver Stadium to assign tailgate locations, and you want to ensure you get a prime spot. Secure a Penn State football parking pass from an online auction site like eBay if need one.

Next, make sure you are properly dressed for the occasion. A lot depends on the weather, but an authentic Penn State jersey (either blue or white) works great. If it’s a clear fall day, get your favorite Penn State sweatshirt. If it’s earlier in the season and balmy, slip on a Penn State t-shirt, maybe a long sleeve t-shirt if you want to not get too hot. A fleece, shell, pullover, or sleek Penn State golf polo are also options. Of course the Penn State White Out is a tradition so I always try to wear white. This is absolutely true in the student parts of the stadium.

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rVHcUNky_RM/2.jpg

Nittany Lion tailgates are to begin about food and drinks, so this has to be top priority. I like getting to the tailgate early so that the grill can be set up and given enough time to smoke a variety of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butt, or marinated whole chickens. But grilling in general definitely should be be the focus of your tailgate. Burgers, sausages, chicken, steaks, or fish can all make excellent tailgate fare. Nittany Lion country should be considered bar-b-que country, so choose a sauce that fits what you are grilling and will get your tailgate guests happy. Complement your meat with whatever sides and snacks you or anyone else can bring.

Food is a priority, but beverages are the lifeblood of your tailgate. Personally, I think of football tailgating with “brown water”, aka bourbon. There’s nothing like a smooth Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whiskey to get you ready for the game. However, this is a personal thing, and you need to have a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to satisfy your guests (or have them BYOB).

Other important aspects of a tailgate: How are people going to find your spot? Get a tall Penn State Flag , personalize it some and fly it high. Also, accessorize your Nittany Lion tailgate out with Penn State chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone should be drinking out of Nittany Lion cups and mugs too.

While the Nittany Lion matchup is definitely the most important happening of the day, there will be lots of other great college football on. Patrons at your tailgate are going to want to watch other games (or they?ll go somewhere else). Do what other great tailgaters do and get a portable satellite dish you connect to a receiver and TVs you can quickly scramble to set up in the morning. A blow up Penn State sofa right in front is also a nice touch.

To me, the sign of a great tailgate is one that everyone wants to go back to after the game.

Looking for Penn State Tickets to either to a Penn State Football or Basketball game? Or are you looking for a great Penn State jersey, sweatshirt, or “White Out” merchandise? Check out www.PennStateCentral.com the All Nittany Lion Sports and Fan Store.

———————