We Are... Penn State!
Written: Nov 06 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great People, Great Place, Great Team
Cons: Parking(?!), Finding A Place To Stay.
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| aurigus's Full Review: Beaver Stadium |
We Are... Penn State! This phrase has echoed throughout Beaver Stadium on games days at a deafening pitch for many, many years. The students usually start with WE ARE and the Alumni respond resoundingly with PENN STATE. This phrase echoes the brotherhood that Penn State represents. On these special fall Saturdays, over 100,000 people converge in Happy Valley to watch their team play. As a student, I have the privilege of sitting as close as I want to the field, something many Alumni don't even get to do. It is an honor that students at Penn State have had for many, many years.
Happy Valley
First of all, Beaver Stadium is situated smack dab in the center of Pennsylvania. It's almost a psychological separation as well as a physical one. [If you have ever drivin up the 3 mile hill on 322 you will know what I mean!] You descend into Happy Valley and into football haven. As the slogan goes State College is "A drinking town with a football problem."
Tailgating
It is hard to describe tailgating to someone who hasn't experienced it at Beaver Stadium. Miles, and miles, and miles of cars, RVs, and trucks are lined up with tables set up, food and drink being served. People play football, alumni talk about their time at PSU, everyone has a great time. People who don't have to chance to get inside the stadium to watch the game watch it outside, and celebrate (and mourn) right along with the crowd inside.
The Stadium
The Stadium is a wonderful entanglement of metal and stone, seemingly defying the laws of physics in some places. A new screen has just been installed and a few thousand more seats and skyboxes are being built. I believe the new capacity of the stadium will be around 103,000.
The People
The people at Beaver Stadium can be broken into 2 main sections, students and alumni/other.
The student section is an experience in itself. Anyone who has been in it remembers their first time. Expect to stand the entire game, making a lot of noise, and being in tight quarters. Although in times of yore you were allowed to celebrate by throwing marshmellows, you are now not able to. Instead, the students (we) have resorted to throwing whatever we can get inside the stadium: cups and water bottles mainly. If you ask me, really poor decision on the administrations side. Anyway, it's really only a problem after touchdowns. It is extremely fun to be in this section.
If you are into a little more sedated crowd, the other seats are better. Depending on where you sit, you have more of your own space. Only expect to stand during touchdowns or other great plays. Also, from many seats you are able to see Mt Nittany which is extremely beautiful especially in the fall.
Food and drinks are between $2-$4. Bathrooms are plentiful.
The Experience
When it comes down to it, Beaver Stadium is an experience. Penn State alumni are among the most loyal there is, and it shows as their Alumni Association is the largest in the nation. The Stadium, the Place, and the People all come together to create the best college football experience there is... if not the best experience in all of football. Students, Fans, and Alumni converge on this place to celebrate their heritage and to watch a good game, just the same as it has been done for 100's of years. Come and see a game, you won't be disappointed!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
aurigus
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Location: Coatesville, PA
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
See me pull my epinions out of my magic hat!
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