Roar and Feast: The Ultimate Penn State Nittany Lions Tailgating Guide
Are you ready for some football? More importantly, are you ready for some legendary Penn State tailgating? Grab your blue and white gear, and let's dive into the heart of Happy Valley's pre-game festivities!
Welcome to Nittany Nation
There's nothing quite like a game day in State College. As the sun rises over Mount Nittany, the air buzzes with excitement. Beaver Stadium's massive silhouette looms in the distance, a beacon calling all fans to gather. The lots around the stadium transform into a sea of blue and white tents, with the aroma of grilled delicacies wafting through the air. This, friends, is Penn State tailgating at its finest.
Signature Dishes and Drinks
No Penn State tailgate is complete without these fan favorites:
Nittany Lion Nachos: Loaded with local cheese and topped with blue corn chips
Linebacker Lager: A crisp, local brew perfect for game day
Happy Valley Hoagies: Packed with Pennsylvania's finest deli meats
White Out White Russian: A boozy tribute to Penn State's famous "White Out" games
Featured Recipe: Joe Pa's Pepperoni Rolls
A nod to both Pennsylvania's Italian heritage and the legendary coach, these rolls are a tailgate staple.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough
1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat your portable grill or oven to 375°F.
Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
Layer pepperoni and cheeses over the dough.
Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge.
Slice into 1-inch rolls.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Featured Drink: Beaver Stadium Blur
This blue concoction will have you seeing double!
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz blue curaçao
4 oz lemonade
Ice
Blue and white sprinkles for rim
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Rim a glass with sprinkles, strain the drink in, and enjoy responsibly!
Local Flavor
Support local businesses by incorporating these Pennsylvania products into your spread:
Cheese from the Penn State Berkey Creamery
Pretzels from Snyder's of Hanover
Potato chips from Utz
Chocolates from Hershey's
Beyond the Grill
While food is a huge part of tailgating, don't forget these other game day traditions:
Toss around a football in the lots
Paint your face blue and white
Visit the Nittany Lion Shrine for a photo op
Join in the "We Are" chant with fellow fans
Weather Watch
State College weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared:
Early Season: Hot and humid. Bring sunscreen and cold drinks.
Mid-Season: Perfect football weather. Layer up for chilly mornings.
Late Season: Bundle up! Hand warmers and hot cocoa are your friends.
Tailgate Tip of the Week
Invest in a good canopy tent. It'll protect you from both sun and rain, and it's a great way to mark your tailgate spot in the sea of blue and white.
We want to hear from you! Share your favorite Penn State tailgating recipes or traditions in the comments below. And don't forget to tag us in your game day photos using #NittanyTailgate!
Remember, win or lose, we are... PENN STATE!
