School
Penn State University
Stadium
Beaver Stadium
Capacity
106,572
Conference
Big Ten
Official Penn State University Penn State Nittany Lions home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
State College sits in the Pennsylvania mountains and gets classic Appalachian fall weather — warm in September, brilliantly crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the ideal month for a White Out at Beaver Stadium.
74°
High
51°
Low
60°
High
40°
Low
47°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Beaver Stadium.
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in State College on game day
The heart of Nittany Lion gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and blue and white everywhere
Campus-adjacent strip with college bars, late-night spots, and authentic student gameday energy
Local favorite area with dive bars, sports pubs, and a more laid-back pre-game vibe
The best spots near Beaver Stadium for Penn State Nittany Lions fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Beaver Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
0.8 miles
Estimated Time
4.5 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
The Phyrst — 113 S Pugh St, State College, PA
113 S Pugh St, State College, PA 16801
210 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801
108 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801
100 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801
203 Allen St, State College, PA 16801
220 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801
End Point
The Tavern Restaurant — 220 E College Ave, State College, PA
The Phyrst
Stop 1 of 6
Legendary Penn State dive bar since 1933 — cash only, cheap pitchers, iconic gameday spot
Wear your Penn State blue and white (or all-white for White Out games) and join thousands of Nittany Lions fans on College Avenue before marching to Beaver Stadium!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make Penn State University Penn State Nittany Lions game day unlike anywhere else
Select marquee home games — announced weeks in advance
Penn State's White Out is the most visually stunning crowd tradition in college football. For select marquee home games, every single fan in Beaver Stadium — all 106,000+ — wears white. The effect from above looks like a blizzard has descended on the stadium. Opposing teams have called it the most intimidating environment they've ever played in, and ESPN regularly ranks it as the greatest atmosphere in college football.
Throughout the game — spontaneous and constant
The call-and-response "We Are — Penn State" chant is the heartbeat of Beaver Stadium. It erupts spontaneously throughout the game — on third downs, after big plays, and at key moments. The chant has spread far beyond football: Penn State fans do it at airports, restaurants, and in opposing cities. It's the universal greeting of Nittany Lion Nation.
2–3 hours before kickoff at the Nittany Lion Shrine
Before every home game, thousands of Penn State fans gather at the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine on campus for photos, chants, and pre-game rituals. The limestone lion sculpture has been a campus landmark since 1942, and touching the lion's nose for good luck before a game is a beloved tradition passed down through generations of Penn State students and alumni.
4–5 hours before kickoff on College Avenue
Downtown State College's College Avenue transforms into one of the most electric pre-game scenes in the Big Ten. Bars open at 7 AM for noon games, and the entire street fills with blue-and-white Nittany Lions fans. The walk from downtown to Beaver Stadium — through campus and past the Lion Shrine — is a 20-minute journey through pure Penn State tradition.
90 minutes before kickoff — the band marches to the stadium
The Penn State Blue Band's march from the practice field to Beaver Stadium is a beloved pre-game spectacle. Fans line the route to cheer the band as it passes, and the band plays fight songs the entire way. Once inside the stadium, the Blue Band's performance of "Fight On State" and "Hail to the Lion" sets the tone for the entire game.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Penn State Nittany Lions ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Beaver Stadium
Ice Cream & Dairy · $
Penn State's legendary on-campus creamery, open since 1896. The Peachy Paterno flavor — peach ice cream with raspberry swirl — is a Nittany Lions gameday institution. The line wraps around the building on home game days.
American Bar & Grill · $$
A College Avenue landmark since 1948. The Nittany Lion Burger topped with aged Penn State cheddar and caramelized onions is the definitive pre-game meal. Craft cocktails and a lively alumni crowd make this a must-visit.
Wood-Fired Pizza · $$
State College's best wood-fired pizza on College Avenue. The White Out Pizza — a nod to Penn State's legendary tradition — with white sauce, roasted garlic, and fresh mozzarella is a gameday favorite for Nittany Lions fans.
Sports Bar & Wings · $$
Three floors of Penn State pride with the best wings on College Avenue. The 'We Are Wings' dry-rubbed platter is a gameday staple — order a 3-lb bucket and settle in for the pre-game show on the massive screens.
Classic Diner · $
Open 24/7 since 1929, this Penn State landmark is famous for its grilled stickies — warm cinnamon rolls grilled on the flat-top. A pre-game breakfast here is a rite of passage for every Nittany Lions fan.
Craft Brewery · $$
State College's premier craft brewery. The Nittany Mountain Ale — a smooth amber brewed for Penn State fans — paired with a warm soft pretzel and beer cheese is the ultimate pre-White Out fuel.
Turn your love of Penn State Nittany Lions football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Beaver Stadium
Premier tailgate zone with RVs, tents, and We Are Penn State chants. The most popular pre-game spot.
Downtown State College bar patios and outdoor tailgates. Electric blue-and-white atmosphere.
Family-friendly tailgate area near campus with food trucks and live entertainment.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on University Dr near Beaver Stadium. Expect heavy surge pricing on game days.
Shuttle Service
CATA (Centre Area Transportation Authority) runs free game day shuttles from downtown and remote lots to the stadium.
Top hotels near Beaver Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about State College game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Penn State Athletics
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Beaver Stadium.
Beaver Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Visit State College
Official State College visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
Big Ten Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Book your Penn State University Penn State Nittany Lions game day bar crawl and experience State College nightlife like never before!
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