Aug. 2, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; August 2, 2012 - The Penn State football season is rapidly approaching the Sept. 1 season opener and every home gameday will feature new and returning Nittany Lion fan favorites in Beaver Stadium. As the Next Chapter of Penn State Football begins, numerous game themes and promotions are scheduled for Bill O'Brien's first season as head coach.
Special dates this season are:
Ohio University, Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Football Eve and season opener
Festivities kick-off on Friday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. with Penn State Football Eve in Beaver Stadium. Fans are encouraged to attend this free pep rally to kick-off the season with appearances by O'Brien and the team and head coaches from Penn State teams in a fun and enthusiastic family event. Crowds in excess of 20,000 annually gather to get the season started in style at the event. The Next Chapter of Penn State football begins the following day, Sept. 1, vs. Ohio University at noon.
Immediately following Penn State Football Eve, some fans will march from Beaver Stadium to Jeffrey Field (men's soccer) and Rec Hall (women's volleyball) for 8 p.m. matches.
Navy, Sept. 15 - Military Appreciation Day
The Nittany Lions will welcome Navy to Happy Valley for the first time since 1974 for Military Appreciation Day. The game also includes Penn State's "Parade of Champions," a celebration of team and individual successes from the 2011-12 season, which included five Big Ten Championships and a second consecutive NCAA title by the wrestling team. Kick time for the Navy game is 3:30 p.m.
Temple, Sept. 22 - Blue Out and All-University Day
The Sept. 22 game vs. Temple will feature multiple highlights including All-University Day and fans are encouraged to wear blue. The game will be a Blue Out in Beaver Stadium with donations collected to benefit the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR). Follow the Blue Out on Twitter @BlueOut or join the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/156190601183526/. The kick time for the Temple game will likely be set on Sept. 10.
Northwestern, Oct. 6 - Homecoming
Penn State's 93rd annual Homecoming game is Oct. 6 vs. Northwestern, with kickoff slated for noon in Beaver Stadium. The Homecoming court will be introduced and the Alumni Blue Band will perform at the game. The popular Homecoming parade is Friday evening on campus and in downtown State College.
Ohio State, Oct. 27 - Primetime Penn State White Out
A Primetime Penn State White Out is slated for the Nittany Lions' 6 p.m. clash with Ohio State on Oct. 27. All fans are encouraged to wear white to the game against the Leaders Division rival Buckeyes. ESPN or ESPN2 will televise the contest.
Wisconsin, Nov. 24 - Senior Day and THON Celebration Day
Penn State concludes its home schedule Nov. 24 with one of the special events of every season - Senior Day. The Nittany Lion seniors will be introduced one final time to the crowd prior to kickoff against Leaders Division foe Wisconsin. The contest also is THON celebration day.
Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions begin practice Monday, Aug. 6 for Penn State's 126th season of footnball.
Season and single game tickets are now on sale for the 2012 Penn State football season. For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club, purchasing season and single game tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can go to www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets or call 1-800-648-8269 (1-800-NITTANY) weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The pricing of 2012 Penn State football game tickets and accompanying donation levels is the same as in 2011.
