Top Things to Remember When Planning a Penn State Tailgate
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the February 24, 2010
Penn State Nittany Lion Tailgating: Keys to Success
Tailgating for Penn State football games has definitely become first class in the last decade as Joe Paterno has built the program to the top of the ranks, and the fan following along with it. The sales of Penn State merchandise has exploded along with it, and Saturdays in State College are filled with Nittany Lion fans 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 highly sought, and Beaver Stadium is always filled to capacity.
True tailgating for Penn State games takes proper tools and tricks of the trade. To begin, you need a great tailgating spot. Parking spot is key. This often comes down to being or knowing a Nittany Lion Alumni Club member with good ranking that has a favorable parking spot. The Nittany Lion Club utilizes a variety of parking lots on campus close (and some very close) to Beaver Stadium to distribute tailgate locations, and you want to make sure you get a prime spot. Buy a Penn State football parking pass from website like eBay if really 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 crisp and clear fall afternoon, get your best Penn State sweatshirt. If it’s earlier in the season and balmy, grab a Penn State t-shirt, possibly a long sleeve t-shirt if you want to not get too hot. A fleece, pullover, shell, or cool Penn State golf shirt are also options. You may know the Penn State White Out is a tradition so I always make sure to wear white. This is especially true in the student section.
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Nittany Lion tailgates are to begin about food and beverage, so this should be top priority. I like getting to the spot early so that the grill can be prepared and given sufficient time to smoke a variety of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butt, or marinated cut-up chickens. But grilling in general should be the centerpiece of your tailgate. Burgers, sausages, chicken, steaks, or fish can all make awesome tailgate fare. Nittany Lion country can be considered bar-b-que country, so pick a sauce that fits what you are grilling and will get your tailgate guests fulfilled. Complement your meat with whatever sides and snacks you or anyone else can bring.
Food is the priority, but beverages are the lifeblood of your tailgate. Personally, I equate football tailgating with “brown water”, aka bourbon. There’s nothing like a great Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whiskey to get you ready for game day. However, this is a personal thing, and you should have a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to please your guests (or have them bring their own).
Other important aspects of a tailgate: How are people going to get to your spot? Get a tall Penn State Flag , customize it some and display it high. Also, accessorize your Nittany Lion tailgate out with Penn State chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone needs to be drinking out of Nittany Lion cups and mugs too.
While the Nittany Lion matchup is obviously the most important happening of the day, there will be lots of other great college football on. Fans 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 attach to a receiver and televisions 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 good tailgate is one that everyone wants to return to after the game.
Looking for Penn State Tickets to either to a Penn State Football or Basketball game? Or are you shopping for a great Penn State jersey, sweatshirt, or “White Out” merchandise? Check out www.PennStateCentral.com the All Nittany Lion Sports and Fan Store.