FOUNDING HOST APPLICATIONS OPEN — Earn up to 80% revenue share
School
Penn State University
Stadium
Beaver Stadium
Capacity
106,572
Conference
Big Ten
The neighborhoods where State College fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
The heart of Nittany Lion gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and blue and white everywhere
Notable Bars
Campus-adjacent strip with college bars, late-night spots, and authentic student gameday energy
Notable Bars
Local favorite area with dive bars, sports pubs, and a more laid-back pre-game vibe
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the Penn State University Penn State Nittany Lions home schedule
Sep 5, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 19, 2026
Sep 26, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
Oct 10, 2026
Oct 17, 2026
Oct 31, 2026
Nov 7, 2026
Nov 14, 2026
Nov 21, 2026
Nov 28, 2026
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
State College sits in the Pennsylvania mountains and gets classic Appalachian fall weather — warm in September, brilliantly crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the ideal month for a White Out at Beaver Stadium.
74°
High
51°
Low
60°
High
40°
Low
47°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Beaver Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to State College's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
1.2 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
College bar institution
Known For
1.1 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
Sports bar
Known For
1.3 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
College bar classic
Known For
1.0 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
Brewpub
Known For
1.4 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
Dive bar
Known For
1.2 miles from Beaver Stadium
Atmosphere
Upscale bar & grill
Known For
The best order to hit State College's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
The Phyrst — 113 S Pugh St, State College, PA
Est. Time
4.5 hours
Total Distance
0.8 miles
Start Here
The Phyrst — 113 S Pugh St, State College, PA
113 S Pugh St, State College, PA 16801
210 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801
108 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801
100 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801
203 Allen St, State College, PA 16801
220 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801
End Point
The Tavern Restaurant — 220 E College Ave, State College, PA
Wear your Penn State blue and white (or all-white for White Out games) and join thousands of Nittany Lions fans on College Avenue before marching to Beaver Stadium!
What makes Penn State Nittany Lions game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Penn State's White Out is the most visually stunning crowd tradition in college football. For select marquee home games, every single fan in Beaver Stadium — all 106,000+ — wears white. The effect from above looks like a blizzard has descended on the stadium. Opposing teams have called it the most intimidating environment they've ever played in, and ESPN regularly ranks it greatest atmosphere in college football.
The call-and-response "We Are — Penn State" chant is the heartbeat of Beaver Stadium. It erupts spontaneously throughout the game — on third downs, after big plays, and at key moments. The chant has spread far beyond football: Penn State fans do it at airports, restaurants, and in opposing cities. It's the universal greeting of Nittany Lion Nation.
Before every home game, thousands of Penn State fans gather at the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine on campus for photos, chants, and pre-game rituals. The limestone lion sculpture has been a campus landmark since 1942, and touching the lion's nose for good luck before a game is a beloved tradition passed down through generations of Penn State students and alumni.
Downtown State College's College Avenue transforms into one of the most electric pre-game scenes in the Big Ten. Bars open at 7 AM for noon games, and the entire street fills with blue-and-white Nittany Lions fans. The walk from downtown to Beaver Stadium — through campus and past the Lion Shrine — is a 20-minute journey through pure Penn State tradition.
The Penn State Blue Band's march from the practice field to Beaver Stadium is a beloved pre-game spectacle. Fans line the route to cheer the band passes, and the band plays fight songs the entire way. Once inside the stadium, the Blue Band's performance of "Fight On State" and "Hail to the Lion" sets the tone for the entire game.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Ice Cream & Dairy · 1.0 mile from stadium
Penn State's legendary on-campus creamery, open since 1896. The Peachy Paterno flavor — peach ice cream with raspberry swirl — is a Nittany Lions gameday institution. The line wraps around the building on home game days.
American Bar & Grill · 1.2 miles from stadium
A College Avenue landmark since 1948. The Nittany Lion Burger topped with aged Penn State cheddar and caramelized onions is the definitive pre-game meal. Craft cocktails and a lively alumni crowd make this a must-visit.
Wood-Fired Pizza · 1.3 miles from stadium
State College's best wood-fired pizza on College Avenue. The White Out Pizza — a nod to Penn State's legendary tradition — with white sauce, roasted garlic, and fresh mozzarella is a gameday favorite for Nittany Lions fans.
Sports Bar & Wings · 1.1 miles from stadium
Three floors of Penn State pride with the best wings on College Avenue. The 'We Are Wings' dry-rubbed platter is a gameday staple — order a 3-lb bucket and settle in for the pre-game show on the massive screens.
Classic Diner · 1.2 miles from stadium
Open 24/7 since 1929, this Penn State landmark is famous for its grilled stickies — warm cinnamon rolls grilled on the flat-top. A pre-game breakfast here is a rite of passage for every Nittany Lions fan.
Craft Brewery · 1.5 miles from stadium
State College's premier craft brewery. The Nittany Mountain Ale — a smooth amber brewed for Penn State fans — paired with a warm soft pretzel and beer cheese is the ultimate pre-White Out fuel.
The top districts in State College for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
The heart of Nittany Lion gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and blue and white everywhere
Campus-adjacent strip with college bars, late-night spots, and authentic student gameday energy
Local favorite area with dive bars, sports pubs, and a more laid-back pre-game vibe
Turn your love of Penn State Nittany Lions football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Beaver Stadium
Premier tailgate zone with RVs, tents, and We Are Penn State chants. The most popular pre-game spot.
Downtown State College bar patios and outdoor tailgates. Electric blue-and-white atmosphere.
Family-friendly tailgate area near campus with food trucks and live entertainment.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on University Dr near Beaver Stadium. Expect heavy surge pricing on game days.
Shuttle Service
CATA (Centre Area Transportation Authority) runs free game day shuttles from downtown and remote lots to the stadium.
Top hotels near Beaver Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about State College game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Penn State Athletics
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Beaver Stadium.
Beaver Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Visit State College
Official State College visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
Big Ten Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Beaver Stadium, and discover where Penn State Nittany Lions fans drink on game day.