UNIVERSITY PARK – Penn State fans are encouraged to participate in a series of themed gamedays during the 2009 schedule in Beaver Stadium.
A theme has been established for six of the Nittany Lions\’ eight home games, starting with Classic Day for the Sept. 12 contest with old rival Syracuse.
Syracuse, Sept. 12: Classic Day
As the Nittany Lions welcome old rival Syracuse back to Beaver Stadium, fans will be welcomed by 1960’s music prior to, during and after the game. Fans are encouraged to break out the tie dyes, headbands and peace signs of the ‘60’s. The student \”S-Zone\” will have a throwback card section, the Penn State Blue Band, Lionettes and Nittany Lion performances will feature songs from the decade. Kickoff is at noon.
Temple, Sept. 19: Favorite Jersey Day
Fans are encouraged to wear the jersey of their all-time favorite Nittany Lion. Photo opportunities with stand-ups of favorites players will be available for fans inside Beaver Stadium. A special Top 10 video countdown of the fans’ most popular jerseys of the day (as counted upon entry to the stadium) will occur at halftime. Kickoff is at noon.
Iowa, Sept. 26: Whitehouse
The Nittany Lions open Big Ten Conference competition by hosting Iowa for a prime time national TV clash. All Nittany Lion fans are encouraged to wear white to turn Beaver Stadium into the Whitehouse, what has quickly become one of the greatest atmospheres in college sports. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on ABC or ESPN.
Eastern Illinois, Oct. 10: Champions Day
Penn State’s individual and team champions from the highly-successful 2008-09 sports season will be honored, parading onto the field at halftime. Penn State won a school record-tying six Big Ten Championships last year and the women’s volleyball and fencing squads delivered NCAA Championships. Each team will have a video introduction prior to their entry onto the field. Kickoff and television are TBD.
Minnesota, Oct. 17: Homecoming
The Nittany Lions and Golden Gophers meet in Happy Valley for the first time since 2005. Penn State has a 38-5 record in Homecoming contests under Coach Joe Paterno. The contest is Penn State’s 90th Homecoming game and the Lions own a 64-20-5 record in front of the alumni audience. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN outside the ABC coverage area.
Indiana, Nov. 14: Senior Day
Penn State concludes its home schedule with one of the special events of every season – Senior Day. The Nittany Lion seniors will be introduced one final time for the crowd of 107,000-plus just prior to kickoff. Kickoff and television are TBD.
Coach Joe Paterno’s No. 9/8 Nittany Lions open the season Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting Akron at noon. Four Penn State home games are sold out, with a limited number of tickets remaining for Akron, Syracuse (Sept. 12, noon), Temple (Sept. 19, noon), and Eastern Illinois (Oct. 10, TBA). Single game tickets are on sale at www.GoPSUsportscom or by calling (800) 833-5533.
Penn State Football Eve will launch the season on Friday, Sept. 4, with activities starting at 6 p.m. outside Beaver Stadium. The program inside the stadium starts at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Blue Band, cheerleaders, dance team and videos. The seniors and 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Curt Warner will be introduced and after Coach Paterno\’s address to the crowd, a new stadium video will be unveiled, as well as “2008” for the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten Championship last year. The event and parking are free.
