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Tailgate at Penn State: College Football Tailgate Parties

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The days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and kids are heading back to school. That means one thing for sports fans: football season is back! College football is an American tradition older than most modern universities. College players are hometown celebrities, and their stats and scores are the talk of the town. 


Even after graduation, many people continue to root for their alma mater, creating a sense of community with other fans regardless of where they come from. One of the best ways that football brings a community together is the tailgate party. 

What is a Tailgate Party?

When anticipation is brimming and patience is thinning before the game, that’s when a tailgate party begins. A tailgate party is a pre-game celebration that kicks off a sports event, music festival, or concert. The exact origins of “tailgating” are debated, but most agree that it’s a truly American tradition. 


Fun Fact: Did you know that there’s a National Tailgating Day? About 80% of the U.S. celebrates the national holiday, which takes place annually on the first Saturday of September.

A group of men are sitting in the back of a truck holding cups and a football.
football fan at a football stadium

Where Do You Tailgate?


The parking lot of a stadium or arena where the main event takes place is where most tailgate parties are held, but some choose a park, their home, or at a block party. As the name suggests, tailgates are often set up in the tailgate of a truck or other vehicles with a back-end cargo area. However, canopy tents and RVs are also popular setups.


What is the Purpose of a Tailgate?


Centered on creating a social atmosphere, a tailgate party is a perfect time for fans to bond over their favorite team or musician. Whether engaging in competitive chatter with the opposing teams or connecting with others who wear your colors, a tailgate party undoubtedly stimulates positive energy.


A table topped with plates of food and bottles of beer.

What Do You Bring?

Tailgates have a famous “the more the merrier” mentality when it comes to guests and food. As mentioned above, they are very informal and everyone is expected to bring something to share. Here are some important supplies you may consider bringing along, broken down by category.


Entertainment



To keep energy and excitement high, you’ll want some entertainment. Some items you may want to bring along for this purpose include:


  • Portable power supply
  • Television or radio (for pre-game coverage, and past game highlights)
  • Speakers
  • Chargers
  • Lawn sports equipment


Food Supplies


The food will make or break your tailgate. As previously mentioned, guests are encouraged to bring food to share, but some things you might consider include:


  • Grill 
  • Slow cooker
  • Cooler and ice
  • Plates, napkins, cups, and utensils
  • Garbage bags and cans for cleanup


Health and Sanitation



Even outdoors, there are some health and sanitation measures to keep in mind for your comfort. Some items to help with that include:


  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • Lots of water - both for drinking and washing
  • Hand sanitizer and hand wipes


Optional Enhancements


Go big or go home! Really show your team spirit by sporting your colors. Some ways to show your support include:



  • Team Jerseys and other wearable merchandise
  • Flags and banners
  • blankets (for cooler evenings)
  • Glow sticks
  • Face paint


A tray of food is sitting on top of a lush green field.

What Do You Eat?


This deserved a whole section of its own because nothing makes or breaks a party like the food. Good food, and lots of it, are two of the most important aspects of a  tailgating experience. What qualifies as “good tailgating food”? The answer is any food that is easy to prepare, and easy to share. Here are some ideas to get you started.


Favorite Tailgating Foods:


  • Hot dogs and/or hamburgers
  • Sliders 
  • Chips and dip
  • Chili
  • Street tacos 
  • Wings
  • Veggie trays
  • Cookies
  • Brownies
  • Sodas
  • Beer/seltzers
  • LOTS OF WATER


A marching band is performing on the field at a football game

Penn State Tailgates


Whether you are a student, graduate, local fan, or even here to support an opposing team (friendly competition is always welcome!), Penn State has a rich tailgating culture. Enthusiastic fans, and having one of the biggest stadiums in the country are some contributing factors for this reputation. To experience this rich tradition for yourself, here are some things you’ll need to know. 


  • Game schedule: Know when the home games are by following the Penn State’s football schedule.
  • Tickets: Get your tickets before game day, the sooner the better. Tickets sell out fast, you may want to get a season pass.
  • Stadium location: Beaver Stadium is located at Pennsylvania State University. Parking is not free, so plan on paying parking fees or taking public transportation for game day.


Rules: Beaver Stadium does have some rules to keep the stadium safe. Make sure to follow the stadium’s rules for a good time.

A group of tiny houses are sitting next to each other on top of a dirt field.

Start your party at Hartman Center Campground


Join us in rooting for the Nittany Lions at Hartman Center Campground! Located only 30 minutes from Beaver Stadium, our campground is perfect for your pre and post-game festivities. 


Not only does our campground offer quality amenities and accommodations for the ultimate tailgating experience, but we even have a shuttle to take you to and from the game! Whether you are visiting for a single game, or have a season pass, we welcome you to tailgate for Penn State games at Hartman Center Campground. 

BOOK NOW!

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