Kids’ First Penn State Football Game and Things to Know Before you Go

For the most part I think our family is a football family. My husband and I both went and graduated from Penn State University. With that in mind, we always go back as often as we can. This past weekend we went with our very good friend, Krystle who is like a sister to us. She was apart of our original Penn State crew as we were missing our girl, Toi. The weekend brought in strong rain and storm due to the Hurricane so how did we manage with 3 kids at the game?

Penn State Football Prep Fail

Okay I am the type that loves to be prepared. To be honest, it’s a gift in my opinion. However as prepared as I was, I also feel like there were some failing moments. Of course when we originally planned to go there no one was anticipating the storm. I was apprehensive about going with the kids because they are prone to getting sick. So I packed, layers of clothes, heavier coats, and here were a few mishaps that I want to prepare you for. Although we had heavier jackets here are the things you really need:

• Have snow pants for all. These are thicker and can withstand the heavy rain and cold that we experienced.
• Bring or rent a stadium chair. These chairs make you a little more comfortable some including a back to it as well.
• Bring a hat, scarf, and gloves. The air in the stadium especially at Penn State is much colder. Also these tips will help with all Fall Football
• Bring something to sit on for rain like a plastic bag. We took some of the recycling bags and trash can bags while there. Bring some with you.
• Bring a thick blanket to cut the air
• Have a Stadium bag that is clear and at Penn State you are not allowed even a small umbrella
• Bring a poncho to wear. They do have them on sale near the campus for about $7 for an adult one. Most of us had our own ponchos
• Hand warmers are always a great idea
• Wear comfortable shoes. In case of wet weather like we had get some rain boots that are easily to walk in or duck shoes or some other waterproof shoes
• Make sure you have your ID for drinks and bring your card over cash

So we had some of these items but not all of them. We did grab many of them before the game. So we were fine until about the 3rd quarter. I ended up taking my youngest to the bottom of our section underneath to get out of the majority of the rain.

Kids’ Football Fun

Although it was brick (cold) and rainy overall we had a great time. We had never taken them to a college football game before. So they were able to see tailgating and how real it gets at the Penn State games. The kids had lots of questions. Some of the questions were about the game, some about our time at the school, and others about when were they getting more food. I don’t know how much we spent but be prepared as you won’t be able to bring in outside food. The cold did in my opinion have them ask for food much less. Penn State played against Northwestern and won 17-7.

Navigating the Campus with Kids

One of the things that we love to do when there is to get some Penn State ice-cream. The Creamery is world wide known. The icecream can also be shipped too. We enjoyed riding the Campus Loop to where we want to go. Never leave without getting some new Penn State gear. When the rain calms down here in Philly I will place my new Alumni sticker on Epiphany. We let the kids enjoy the time. Usually we let them lead us around as if they are the Lion Ambassadors. With the rain, we made this trip a little more focused on new gear, ice-cream, and the game. We thawed out on our ride home, some fell asleep, but either way, it was an amazing time.

Penn State Nostalgia

My husband, friend Krystle (Toi not present) and my myself will be celebrating 20 years of graduating from Penn State next year. We have grown as adults in our personal lives and as friends. There have been quite a few ups and downs as we were navigating adulthood. However I wouldn’t trade them for the world. It was and always is a weird feeling bringing the kids to Penn State. We get to see what they see but enjoy reliving those moments too. Never in a million years did I think my husband and I who were college sweethearts would be back together and with a family. I am grateful for the lessons I learned. We explained to the kids how sometimes in college is where you meet your lifelong friends.

Last Few Things to Know Before you Go

There will be people on the sides of the rode selling parking passes. Proceed with caution. We were informed that some of the tickets are resold and will not work in the lots that the pass says its for. You run the risk of double paying. When you park in any of the lots for the game, they are scanned. When you purchase them from the people on the street, they all look alike. So my suggestion is to purchase ahead of time before you come. There are lots open for same day but I wouldn’t risk it. They could be full.

The game against Northwestern started at 3:30. We were in our seats or in our area around 2/2:30. If you come into the game after that for a 3:30 start you may be delayed in being in your seats for kick off. Plan to arrive on campus hours ahead. We were on campus around noon. Giving us hours to go get things that we needed or wanted to take home with us. Be prepared to either stay overnight, or have a long drive home. The traffic for leaving is intense. Pack some patience. Bring snacks for the car or stop for food like we did. Remember no matter, We are… Penn State!