| Beaver Stadium Quick Guide | |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Penn State Nittany Lions (NCAA – Big Ten) |
| Opened | 1960 (multiple expansions; now second-largest in the U.S.) Currently under a renovation through 2027 |
| Capacity | 106,572 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper Sideline (Sections WF–WG or EF–EG) – Midfield view with lower pricing |
| Premium Seating | Mt. Nittany Club, Suites, Letterman’s Club |
| Top Stadium Foods | Lion Dogs, Grilled Stickies, Chicken Baskets, Sausage Sandwiches |
| Nearby Bars | Champs Downtown, Doggie’s Pub, Primanti Bros. |
| Closest Hotels | The Graduate State College, Hyatt Place, Hilton Garden Inn |
| Transit Access | Campus shuttle and gameday bus service from downtown and lots; most fans drive or walk from town |
🔍 Want a custom Penn State gameday guide? Use our Gameday Guides AI to get personalized tips on where to sit, what to eat, how to park, and where to stay near Beaver Stadium.
Best Seats At Penn State Football Games
Beaver Stadium isn’t just big—it’s the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere, holding 106,304 screaming fans who make Saturday afternoons in Happy Valley feel like a religious experience. Built in 1960 as a horseshoe with just 46,284 seats, the stadium has grown alongside Penn State’s football legacy, now towering 110 rows high on the east side and creating one of the most intimidating home-field advantages in college football. The atmosphere is electric, the tailgating is legendary, and the White Out games are genuinely bucket-list material—but know this: parking is a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead, and the student section will make you feel old if you’re over 25.
Seating Guide
Beaver Stadium sits 106,304 fans in a massive bowl that runs east-west, with the student section packed into the south end zone and premium club seating along the west side. Think of it like this: sideline seats give you the best view of plays developing, end zones put you in the chaos, and the upper deck is farther than you’d think but still gives you a complete view of the field.
The Sweet Spots: Best Non-Premium Seats
South End Zone (Student Section – Sections SA-SJ): If you’re under 30 and want the full Penn State experience, this is where it happens. You’ll be surrounded by 20,000 students who know every chant, create deafening noise when the defense needs it, and turn White Out games into something you’ll talk about for years. Rows closer to the field (1-20) get you into the action, but you’re standing the entire game and sightlines for plays on the opposite end are rough. The energy here is unmatched, but if you’re bringing kids or want to actually sit down, look elsewhere.
East Side Sideline (Sections EA-EJ, Rows 40-70): These seats give you the classic football view without the premium price tag. You’re watching plays develop from midfield, you get afternoon shade around the third quarter for early-season games, and you’re high enough to see formations but close enough to hear the hits. Rows 40-50 are the sweet spot—higher gives you better perspective but you lose some of that ground-level intensity. The one time I sat in Row 65, I was shocked how much better the view was than Row 80, where you start feeling disconnected from the field.
West Side Lower Sections (Sections WA-WF, Rows 20-40): The west side stays in the sun longer during day games, but these lower rows put you close to the action without paying club prices. You’re near the team benches, you can actually see players’ faces, and the atmosphere feels more connected than the upper deck. Trade-off: afternoon sun can be brutal in September, and you’ll be squinting through the second and third quarters on 3:30pm kickoffs.
Best Value Seats
Upper East Side (Sections EA-EJ, Rows 75-110): You’re saving $30-50 per seat compared to lower bowl, and honestly, the view is still pretty good if you don’t mind the climb. You’ll see the entire field, the scoreboard is right in front of you, and bathroom lines are manageable. Trade-off: You’re missing the field-level energy, the walk up is no joke (110 rows is basically a workout), and getting out after a close game takes forever. If you’re on a budget and just want to experience Beaver Stadium without breaking the bank, this works.
Budget Option
Corner Sections (Northeast and Southeast Temporary Seating): Penn State added temporary grandstands in the northeast and southeast corners during the 2025 renovation, and these are your cheapest legitimate seats at around $40-60 depending on the opponent. You’re watching from an angle, so plays on the far sideline get tough to follow, but you’re inside Beaver Stadium during a game that matters. Downside: You’re in temporary bleachers with no chairbacks, sightlines are awkward for some plays, and you’re farther from concessions and bathrooms than most sections.
Weather & Shade Reality
For September and early October games, the east side gets shade by the third quarter, while the west side stays in full sun until after the game ends. If you’re going to a noon or 3:30pm kickoff when it’s 80+ degrees, sit east side—sections EA through EJ—and you’ll thank yourself by halftime. West side seats are brutal in the heat until evening. November games are a different story: bring layers no matter where you sit, because Beaver Stadium gets cold and windy when the sun goes down.
What to Avoid
South Upper Deck (Sections SUA-SUE): These are cheap for a reason—you’re behind the end zone and way up high, so you’re watching the game from a distance and an angle. If Penn State is driving toward the opposite end, you can barely see what’s happening. They’re fine if you just want to say you went, but you’ll have a better time watching from a bar downtown.
Northwest and Southwest Corners (Upper Rows): Obstructed views from support structures, awkward angles, and you’re a 10-minute walk from the nearest concession stand. Skip these unless they’re literally the only tickets left.
Premium Seating Options
With over 106,000 seats, Penn State has developed several tiers of premium experiences that offer enhanced comfort, exclusive amenities, and the best sightlines in the stadium.
Beaver Stadium currently has two main club options, both on the west side, with new premium seating opening in 2027. The Marzano Club is the standout for 2025-2026, offering a legitimately premium experience without the corporate stuffiness you’d find at an NFL stadium.
Note: Penn State is in the middle of a massive $700 million renovation, and club names, locations, and amenities are changing as construction progresses.
The Best Club
Marzano Club – West Side Club Level – Capacity varies by section
Price range: $200-350+ per seat depending on opponent and seat location (CHECK CURRENT PRICING – prices surge for White Out and rivalry games).
What’s included: All-inclusive food and drinks, including alcohol—actual good stuff with local beer and better-than-concourse food options. Cushioned club seats in a private area, climate-controlled lounge with bars and TVs, dedicated bathrooms, and regular-season parking pass included with club seat purchase. In-seat service during the game so you don’t miss plays.
The lounge itself: It’s covered, climate-controlled, and genuinely comfortable—a huge upgrade from standing in concourse lines. The food quality is better than standard stadium fare, the bartenders are friendly, and the crowd is a mix of donors, alumni, and fans celebrating big occasions. The vibe is more relaxed than the general seating areas, which means you lose some of that raw stadium energy. If you value comfort and want to entertain clients or impress someone, this delivers. If you live for the crowd noise and chaos, you’ll miss it up here.
Who this is for: Celebrating a major milestone, entertaining business clients, or splurging on a White Out or Ohio State game. Older fans who want a premium experience without the upper-deck climb. Not for college students or families on a budget.
Reality check: You’re paying 2-3x the price of regular seats for better food, free drinks, and climate control. You’re losing some of the raw Beaver Stadium atmosphere. Worth it if you’re treating it like an event, not worth it if you’re a die-hard who just wants to watch football.
Best Value Club
Drink Rail Seating – Main Concourse and Marzano Club Level – Limited Capacity
What’s included: Access to a drink rail with seating, complimentary drinks, and a more casual premium experience than full club seating. You’re not in a dedicated lounge, but you get upgraded amenities and a good view without the full club price tag.
The vibe: This is the unpretentious option—you’re getting a taste of premium without the sticker shock. It feels more connected to the stadium atmosphere than the full club lounges, and you’re around actual fans who care about the game, not just networking.
Who this is for: Fans who want something nicer without spending $300+ per seat. Great for regulars or anyone going to 3+ games a season who wants an upgrade.
The math: You’re paying $50-80 more per seat than upper bowl but getting free drinks and a better experience. Makes sense if you were planning to buy $40 worth of beer anyway.
Other Notable Clubs or Premium Options
Schuyler Family Club – West Side – Opening 2027: This is part of the major renovation and will include cushioned seats, all-inclusive food and drinks, club lounges with bars and TVs, and premium amenities similar to the Marzano Club. Details are still being finalized—call Penn State Athletics directly for 2027 availability and pricing.
Beaver Stadium Seating Chart
The seating capacity of Beaver Stadium at Penn State is 106,572 This makes it the second largest stadium in the country and the fourth largest in the world
For a detailed view of Beaver Stadium’s seating arrangement, you can refer to the official seating chart on the Penn State Athletics website: Beaver Stadium Seating Chart.
Penn State Football Tickets
Getting tickets to a Penn State football game can be tough, especially if the team is in the Top 10 and big teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, etc are coming in. Here are some tips to help you secure your tickets:
Secondary Market: Where Prices Fluctuate: If you miss the official sale or want to buy closer to game day, use secondary marketplaces like StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, or Ticketmaster’s resale platform. Penn State doesn’t guarantee tickets from these sites, but they’re the most common way fans buy and sell. Prices on the secondary market change constantly—they’re highest right when tickets go on sale and during the week leading up to marquee games, and they drop significantly mid-week or a few hours before kickoff for less popular matchups. Pro tip: For non-rivalry games, wait until the Wednesday or Thursday before the game when sellers start panicking and prices drop 20-40%.
You can great Penn State Tickets through our partnership with Vivid Seats! Also always check the Penn State Athletics website for ticket availability and sale dates.
Student Tickets and Guest Passes: If you know a Penn State student, they can buy one guest ticket per game through the Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Office in person (Wednesday-Friday, 11am-4:30pm). Guest tickets cost $44-$102 depending on the opponent, and the student must enter Gate A with their guest on game day using their student ID. Guest tickets are not sold for Ohio State or other ultra-high-demand games.
Beaver Stadium Bag Policy
Only clear vinyl, clear plastic, or clear PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed inside Beaver Stadium. You can also bring one small clutch or wristlet (4″ x 6″ x 1″) that doesn’t need to be clear. No backpacks, no purses, no tinted bags, no exceptions—security will turn you away. If you’re planning to bring anything into the stadium, buy a cheap clear bag online or at a sporting goods store before you go.
Key Stadium Policies
Re-entry: Re-entry is not allowed once you leave Beaver Stadium—if you go out, you’re out for the game. Plan accordingly if you’re tailgating before or need to grab something from your car.
Outside food and beverages: Outside food is allowed as long as it’s not in glass containers. No alcohol is permitted from outside, but beer and alcoholic drinks are sold inside the stadium and in premium club areas.
Cashless payments: Beaver Stadium is 100% cashless—credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments only. Don’t bring cash expecting to buy concessions.
For a full list of policies and the most up to date information click here.
Beaver Stadium Parking
Public transit is basically nonexistent in State College, so you’re either driving and dealing with parking, taking a rideshare and paying surge pricing, or walking if you’re staying close. Driving is what most fans do, but the parking system is strict and traffic is legitimately brutal—you need a real strategy or you’ll waste hours sitting in your car.
Parking Overview
Penn State uses a four-zone parking system (North, East, South, and West) with specific entry routes and one-way traffic patterns that start 2.5 hours before kickoff—not 4 hours like some older guides say. You must enter through the designated route for your assigned zone or traffic personnel will redirect you, and if you show up at the wrong gate, you’re circling back around. For example, if you have a North Zone pass, you’re entering via Fox Hollow Road; East Zone enters via Park Avenue. The one-way pattern reverses after the game and lasts 60-90 minutes, which means you’re sitting in the lot for at least an hour post-game unless you wait it out.
Official Penn State Parking Lots: Single-game parking passes are available in advance for Lots 11, 25, 33, and 34, starting at $50 for lower-demand games and going up to $100 for marquee matchups like Michigan, Iowa, and West Virginia. You need to buy at least 15 days before the game online at gopsusports.com or by calling 1-800-NITTANY. Two weeks out, you can only buy in person at the Bryce Jordan Center Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Day-of-game parking is available in Lots 25 and 36 for $60-$100 depending on the opponent, but it sells out fast—follow E Zone signage to Park Avenue and you’ll see the sale locations.
Lots open at 7am for noon games and 8am for all other kickoff times. Reserved lots (9, 10, 14-18, 31, 41, 42, 46) are closer to the stadium but require season parking passes, and those sold out for 2025—availability for 2026 will be limited, so call early if you want one. Lot 41 is paved and popular with fans sitting on the south side—it’s easy in and out with a mix of RVs and regular vehicles.
Pro tip from seasoned fans: Park in your assigned lot, bring chairs and snacks, and tailgate for 20-30 minutes after the game ends. Let the traffic clear instead of sitting in gridlock for 90 minutes. You’ll leave stress-free while everyone else is still stuck.
Campus Parking Decks: Penn State’s campus parking decks (East, Eisenhower, HUB, Nittany, and West) charge a flat $40 for game day parking regardless of duration. East Deck on Bigler Road is the closest to Beaver Stadium—under a mile walk, relatively flat, and way easier than fighting for stadium lot space. Tailgating is not allowed in any parking deck, so these are best for fans who just want to park, walk to the game, and leave. The decks fill up eventually, especially for afternoon and White Out games, so arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to guarantee a spot.
One thing to know: Post-game traffic leaving the East Deck during a White Out or big rivalry game can be a nightmare—some fans report sitting in traffic until the early morning hours. If you park in a deck, consider walking to a downtown bar after the game and letting the chaos clear before heading to your car.
Downtown State College Garages: Fraser, Pugh, and Beaver Avenue garages are located downtown and cost $1 per hour normally, though rates may increase on game days. You’re looking at a 25-30 minute walk to Beaver Stadium—about 1.5 miles with a gentle uphill climb—but you completely avoid stadium parking drama. These garages fill up by early afternoon for big games, so if you’re going this route, get there by 11am for a noon game or 1pm for a 3:30pm kickoff.
Free street parking exists on side streets in downtown State College, but it’s nearly impossible to find within a reasonable distance on game day unless you arrive 3+ hours early. If you’re willing to walk 30+ minutes and hunt for a spot, it’s an option, but most fans say it’s not worth the hassle.
Alternative Parking Hacks
Some locals rent out private driveways and garages near Beaver Stadium on game days through apps like Prked. You’re often paying $30-50, which is cheaper than official lots, and the big advantage is you bypass the one-way traffic pattern entirely—you park, walk to the stadium, and leave whenever you want without sitting in gridlock. This is a genuine insider move that seasoned fans swear by.
Another option: Park downtown for free or cheap, then take the CATA shuttle to the stadium. The shuttle costs around $2.50, picks up from downtown, and drops you near Beaver Stadium. After the game, it takes you right back to your car while everyone else is stuck in the lots. If you’re not tailgating and just want to watch the game, this is legitimately the smartest play.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft work, but expect surge pricing—$15-30 from downtown before the game, and 2-3x that after the final whistle when demand spikes. The official rideshare pickup zone is on Hastings Road on the south side of the stadium. If you leave right when the game ends, you’re waiting 20-40 minutes for a ride and paying peak surge prices. Use the scheduled pickup feature or grab a post-game drink downtown for 30 minutes to avoid the chaos.
Walking
If you’re staying in downtown State College (College Avenue or Beaver Avenue area), you’re 15-25 minutes on foot from Beaver Stadium depending on where exactly you’re staying. The walk is safe, easy, and you’ll be surrounded by other fans heading the same direction. This is honestly the best option if you’re within a mile—you skip parking fees, traffic, rideshare surge pricing, and the stress of finding a spot entirely.
Penn State Gameday Tips
Beaver Stadium isn’t just about the game—it’s about the pre-game rituals, the food cult classics, the traditions that make 106,000 fans move in unison, and the little-known hacks that separate first-timers from seasoned regulars. Penn State has its own language when it comes to gameday, and if you know where to look, what to eat, and when to show up, you’ll have a significantly better experience than the average fan standing in the wrong line or missing the best moments.
Tailgating Strategy
The “Caravan” Rule: Don’t Show Up Solo: Most Penn State lots use guided parking, which means attendants direct you into a spot one-by-one, bumper-to-bumper. You cannot save spots for friends who text “we’re 10 minutes behind you”—the attendants will fill every space as cars arrive, and your group will be scattered across the lot.
The Fix: If you want to tailgate with a group, you must arrive together in a convoy. Meet at the Nittany Mall or a Walmart parking lot 5 miles out, line up your cars, and drive into the lot as a single unit. This is non-negotiable if you want adjacent parking spots. Seasoned tailgaters know this rule and plan accordingly.
The “Mud Bowl” Warning: Many of the primary tailgating lots—especially the Yellow lots near the stadium—are grass fields, not paved. If it rains on Friday night, these lots turn into legitimate mud pits by Saturday morning. In extreme cases, Penn State will close waterlogged grass lots on game day and redirect you to overflow parking at the mall or research park, miles from the stadium.
The Gear: Always pack boots and cardboard (to put under your tires for traction) if the forecast shows rain. I’ve seen cars get stuck axle-deep in mud after a heavy storm—it’s not worth showing up unprepared.
Alcohol Rules: What You Can and Can’t Do: Alcohol is permitted in all tailgate lots, but glass bottles are strictly prohibited—cans and plastic cups only. Campus police patrol on bikes and will cite you on the spot if they see glass, so leave the bottles at home.
The “Kickoff” Shutoff: University policy technically requires tailgates to shut down and alcohol consumption to stop at kickoff. Enforcement varies depending on the lot and the game, but don’t leave a full keg tap running or a party raging while you’re inside the stadium. Pack it up before you head in, or at least make it look low-key.
RV City: The Overnight Lots: The Overnight RV (ORV) lots open Thursday or Friday and turn into a full-blown tailgating village by Saturday morning. Even if you don’t have an RV, walking through this area on game day is an experience—it’s where the hardcore Penn State fans live for the weekend, with full setups including grills, TVs, couches, and multi-day tailgate parties. If you’re staying in town for a few days, this is worth checking out just to see how deep Penn State tailgate culture goes.
Food Strategy
The Chicken Basket Rule: At Penn State, you don’t eat hot dogs—you eat the Chicken Basket (chicken tenders and fries). It’s a cult classic that fans swear by, priced around $13.65, and honestly better than half the stuff you’ll find at other stadiums. The problem: Lines at the main concession stands get absurdly long, especially at halftime.
Pro Tip: Look for standalone “pop-up” fryer stations or the corner stands that move faster than the central concourses. If you’re sitting on the west or south side, these smaller vendors have the same chicken baskets with half the wait.
Berkey Creamery Ice Cream Hack: Yes, they sell the famous Berkey Creamery ice cream inside Beaver Stadium—pints are available at select lower concourse stands for $12.60, with flavors like Death by Chocolate, Peachy Paterno, and cookies ‘n cream. It used to be exclusive to the Mount Nittany Club and suites, but now regular fans can grab it too.
The Warning: The line takes 20+ minutes during peak times. If you want it, go immediately after the third quarter starts when play resumes and everyone else is still in their seats. You’ll skip the chaos and get back before anything important happens.
Arrival & Team Traditions
The Blue Buses (Team Arrival Walk): The team buses pull up to the intersection of Curtin Road and Porter Road exactly 2 hours before kickoff. The Blue Band forms a human tunnel, and the players walk through the crowd into the South Tunnel—it’s one of the most electric moments of gameday, and you can high-five Coach Franklin and the players as they pass.
Insider Note: If you want a front-row spot on the rail, you need to be there 2.5 hours before kickoff. Showing up at 2 hours means you’re stuck three rows deep behind taller fans. Get there early, stake your spot, and soak it in.
Gate Strategy: Beat the Rush: Gates open 2 hours before kickoff, and if you show up right when they open, you’ll breeze through security with no lines. The east-side gates (near Sections EA-EJ) are consistently less crowded than the main west-side entrances, so if you’re sitting anywhere in the upper bowl, enter on the east side and save yourself 15 minutes of standing around.
Stadium Traditions & Culture
The S-Zone: Be Part of the Block: Look at the student section (South End Zone) during the game—a specific block of around 800 students wears coordinated colored shirts to form a massive “S” visible from anywhere in the stadium or on TV. This tradition started in 1998 and is led by Penn State’s Lion Ambassadors, who organize the shirt distribution and choreograph the section.
The Insider Angle: If you have tickets in Sections SK or SL, you might be part of the S-Zone block and get a free coordinated shirt on game day. Check with the Lion Ambassadors table near the south gates if you’re sitting in those sections.
The Lion Surf: After a big win or a huge touchdown, the Nittany Lion mascot is body-surfed up the student section from the bottom rows all the way to the top—it’s one of the wildest visuals in college sports and makes for incredible video content. You won’t see this at every game, but when it happens, it’s pure chaos in the best way.
The Zombie Nation Shake: When “Kernkraft 400” (Zombie Nation) plays after a big defensive stop or touchdown, the entire stadium jumps in unison. Not just the student section—all 106,000 fans.
The Feeling: The press box, upper decks, and even the lower bowl physically sway and shake. Do not be alarmed—Beaver Stadium is designed to flex and absorb the movement. Embrace the wobble. It’s legitimately one of the coolest stadium experiences in college football.
The White Out Tradition: The White Out is Penn State’s signature game—the entire stadium wears white, the crowd noise is deafening, and opposing teams legitimately struggle with communication. If you’re attending a White Out game (typically scheduled for one marquee home game per season), wear white or you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. The atmosphere is bucket-list-level, and even ESPN commentators call it one of the best environments in sports.
Instagrammable Spots & Photo Ops
The Nittany Lion Shrine: Every Penn State fan wants a photo with the Nittany Lion statue on campus—it’s the most iconic spot at Penn State. On game day, the line can be 45+ minutes long, and you’ll waste your entire pre-game standing in a queue for a statue.
The Hack: Go on Friday afternoon or Sunday morning when campus is quieter. You’ll get your photo in under 5 minutes, and you won’t miss tailgating or the team arrival walk.
The Beaver Stadium Scoreboard Shot: The scoreboard at the south end of Beaver Stadium is massive and makes for a great pre-game or post-game photo, especially if you’re inside the stadium early when the light is good and the crowd isn’t blocking your shot. Shoot from the lower south concourse or sections near the 20-yard line for the best angle.
The Team Arrival Walk (Curtin Road): The team walk on Curtin Road is prime photo and video content—you’re right next to the players, the Blue Band is performing, and the energy is electric. Bring your phone fully charged and shoot video; photos don’t capture the atmosphere as well as a 30-second clip of the band and crowd.
The Stadium from Mount Nittany: If you’re in town the day before the game and want a unique shot, hike Mount Nittany (about 3 miles round trip, moderate difficulty) for a panoramic view of Beaver Stadium, campus, and Happy Valley. Sunrise or late afternoon gives you the best light. This is a niche move, but if you’re into landscape photography or want something different from the standard on-field shots, it’s worth the effort.
Exit Strategy & Post-Game Hacks
The One-Way Traffic Maze: Post-game, all roads around Beaver Stadium become one-way routes pushing traffic away from the stadium. You cannot turn around or reroute if you’re in the wrong lane—you’ll be forced onto the highway even if your hotel is the opposite direction.
The Fix: Use Waze—Penn State partners with Waze to update the one-way traffic patterns in real-time during games. Do not trust your car’s built-in navigation or Google Maps; they won’t reflect the temporary routing.
The Downtown Walk & Wait Strategy: Instead of fighting traffic for 90 minutes, walk 1.5 miles down Curtin Road to Atherton Street or through campus to College Avenue after the game. Grab a drink at The Phyrst, Champs, or Cafe 210 West, hang out for 60-90 minutes, and let the parking lots and roads clear. Uber prices will drop back to normal, traffic will disappear, and you’ll leave stress-free while everyone else is still gridlocked.
This is the single best piece of advice seasoned fans give: Don’t leave immediately after the final whistle unless you enjoy sitting in your car until midnight.
Hotels Near Beaver Stadium
Most Penn State fans are local or drive in from within a few hours, but if you’re traveling for a game—especially a White Out or big rivalry matchup—you’ll want to book a hotel months in advance because State College is a small college town that completely fills up on game weekends. Downtown State College is your best bet: it’s an easy walk or short rideshare from Beaver Stadium, and you’ll be near bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game. Hotels book out 6+ months ahead for marquee games, and prices can surge 2-3x normal rates for White Out weekends and rivalry matchups like Ohio State or Michigan.
Areas to Stay
Stay along College Avenue or Beaver Avenue if you want walkability and nightlife access—this puts you near Champs, Cafe 210 West, and Happy Valley Brewing for post-game drinks. Stay near the Penn State campus if you want to be close to the stadium and avoid driving on game day. The area is safe, walkable, and you’ll be surrounded by other fans heading to the same place.
Nice/Mid-Tier Hotel Options
The Nittany Lion Inn – $200-400+ depending on the opponent – This is the iconic on-campus choice for visiting fans and alumni, walking distance to Beaver Stadium and downtown. Books out extremely early for game weekends—reserve 6+ months ahead or you’ll miss it entirely. If you can get a room here, it’s the quintessential Penn State gameday experience.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Short drive or walkable for those who don’t mind a 20-minute walk to the stadium. Clean, reliable, and good breakfast included. Solid mid-tier choice if you want something affordable and close.
Hilton Garden Inn State College – In the College Avenue area, easy walk to bars and restaurants after the game. Good location, clean rooms, solid hotel gym.
Hyatt Place State College – On West Beaver Avenue with rooms on upper floors that have views of the stadium. Breakfast included, modern rooms, walkable to downtown.
Hampton Inn State College – Closest major hotel to Beaver Stadium, under a mile walk. Clean, affordable, convenient for families who just want proximity without complications.
Residence Inn by Marriott State College – A bit farther out but offers suite-style rooms with kitchens if you’re staying multiple nights. Fitness center, free parking. Good for families or longer stays who don’t mind driving to the stadium.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott State College – Farther from campus but still solid quality and more budget-friendly than downtown options. Free breakfast, clean rooms, easy highway access.
Budget Options
Baymont by Wyndham Milesburg – $80-130 – Located in Milesburg, about 10-15 minutes from Beaver Stadium by car. Clean, basic, and you’ll need a car or rideshare to get to the stadium. Good if you just need a place to crash and want to save $50-100 per night compared to downtown hotels.
Tru By Hilton Bellefonte – In Bellefonte, about 15 minutes from State College by car. Modern budget option, clean rooms, but you’re definitely driving to the game. Worth it if you’re on a tight budget and booking late when everything closer is sold out or price-gouging.
Bars and Restaurants in State College
State College transforms into a packed college town on Penn State gameday weekends, and knowing where to eat and drink before and after the game makes a huge difference in your experience. Before the game, fans hit breakfast spots like The Waffle Shop to fuel up, grab lunch at pizza joints, then start drinking at bars with outdoor patios (Cafe 210 West) or sports bars with TVs (Champs Downtown) a few hours before kickoff.
After the game, the move is to walk to downtown bars on College Avenue or Allen Street—places like The Phyrst, Champs, and Cafe 210—and let traffic clear while you celebrate or commiserate over drinks. These spots get packed on gameday, so show up early or be prepared to wait.
The Legendary Gameday Spots
The Phyrst – A dark, cozy underground bar on Beaver Avenue that’s been a State College institution for decades. This is where locals and alumni go for live music (often 365 days a year), cheap drinks, and an authentic college town atmosphere. It opens at 5pm most nights (7pm on Sundays), so it’s a post-game spot, not a pre-game hangout. Don’t expect fancy—it’s a basement bar that’s “dark and smelly” in the best way, and it’s one of the only places that lets you drink at midnight on your 21st birthday. This is a rite of passage for Penn State fans.
Champs Downtown – A multi-level sports bar right on Allen Street across from campus, perfect for watching games on big screens and handling large crowds. Open weekends starting at noon, so you can catch pre-game action or post-game recaps with food and drinks. It’s more of a traditional sports bar vibe than The Phyrst—expect TVs everywhere, pub food, and a younger crowd. They card everyone at the door, so bring your ID.
Cafe 210 West – A State College staple on West College Avenue famous for its outdoor patio and massive shareable cocktails called “Fishbowls”. The patio is the place to see and be seen in State College, especially on warm gameday afternoons. Open at 11am, so it works for both pre-game and post-game. The vibe is relaxed, the drinks are affordable, and it’s perfect for people-watching while you wait for traffic to clear. Locals call the Fishbowls “IceT” and they’re a gameday tradition.
The Food Champions
Hi-Way Pizza – A local institution since 1963 serving classic pizza, calzones, and wings in a casual, no-frills setting. There are two locations: one on North Atherton Street and one on West College Avenue. Open until 10pm most nights, midnight on weekends, so it works for pre-game lunch or post-game dinner. This is the kind of place where generations of Penn State families have eaten before heading to Beaver Stadium—it’s not fancy, but it’s authentic and affordable.
The Waffle Shop – The go-to breakfast spot on gameday mornings, located on East College Avenue downtown. Famous for creative waffles, hearty omelets, and unlimited coffee served fast. Open 7am-2pm daily, so you need to get there early if you want breakfast before a noon game. Lines get long on football Saturdays—expect to wait 20-30 minutes during peak hours. Pro tip: There are multiple Waffle Shop locations in State College (including one on Atherton Street), and locals say the originals owned by a Greek family are better than the downtown “imposter,” but both are solid.
Faccia Luna Pizzeria – Authentic wood-fired pizza with high-quality ingredients and creative toppings, ideal for feeding groups of fans who want something more elevated than typical gameday fare. A local favorite for sit-down Italian that’s a step up from casual pizza joints.
Where to Get a Drink
Zeno’s Pub – A laid-back college bar with over 100 beers on tap, including local craft brews. The extensive beer menu and welcoming vibe make it a favorite among fans looking to sample local flavors while discussing the game.
The Field Burger & Tap – Specializes in gourmet burgers made from locally sourced ingredients, complemented by an excellent craft beer selection. It’s more refined than typical gameday spots but still maintains the college town atmosphere. Perfect for fans wanting a quality meal without sacrificing the gameday vibe.
Things to do in State College
State College, Pennsylvania, is a treasure trove of activities and attractions, ensuring an enriching experience during your Penn State football weekend. Here are some of the finest offerings to explore:
The Arboretum at Penn State: Delight in the splendor of this scenic garden, sprawling across 370 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Meander through various gardens, revel in the whimsy of the Children’s Garden, and saunter along picturesque walking paths, making it an idyllic spot for relaxation, communion with nature, and perhaps a delightful picnic.
Mount Nittany: Ascend the majestic slopes of Mount Nittany and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Choose from a selection of trails, tailored to various levels of difficulty, ensuring a fulfilling hiking experience. Remember to equip yourself with ample water and suitable hiking gear to fully enjoy this breathtaking adventure.
Downtown State College: Stroll through the heart of downtown State College, where an array of unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries await your discovery. Savor a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants or unwind in a cozy coffee shop, soaking up the town’s vibrant ambiance.
Tussey Mountain: Set your sights on Tussey Mountain for a wealth of outdoor activities. During winter months, carve through the snow-laden slopes with skiing and snowboarding. When warmer days arrive, enjoy rounds of mini-golf, thrilling go-karting, and exhilarating zip-lining. An all-around family-friendly destination.
Pennsylvania Military Museum: Immerse yourself in the military history of Pennsylvania at this fascinating museum, where exhibits showcase artifacts, vehicles, and memorabilia from various conflicts. Gain profound insights into the state’s rich military heritage while enjoying an educational and engaging experience.
Why You Should Go
Beaver Stadium on a fall Saturday is one of the best atmospheres in college football—106,304 fans who know how to make noise, a tailgate scene that starts at sunrise, and a program with real history and tradition. The sightlines are good from most seats, the crowd is passionate without being obnoxious to visiting fans, and White Out games are genuinely bucket-list experiences. If you’re looking for a classic college football gameday that delivers on atmosphere and doesn’t feel overproduced, Happy Valley is worth the trip.
Here is our entire College Football Section as well as some links to some Big 10 opponents:
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.