| Quarterback Anthony Morelli and the Nittany Lions will conclude spring drills with one of the highlights of the year, the Blue-White Game. Blue-White Weekend is April 21-23 with numerous activities (such as the popular pre-game autograph session, pictured above) and athletic events all three days. |
- Beaver Stadium Advisory for 2006 Blue-White Game
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; April 20, 2006 - The culmination of Penn State's spring football drills, the annual Blue-White Game, will be the feature event among numerous family fun and athletic events taking place during "Blue-White Weekend Presented by PHEAA."
The game is Saturday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Stadium gates A and B will open for fans at 12:00 p.m. and the popular autograph session with the players will run from 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Stadium parking lots will open at 8 a.m. ADA parking will be available for patrons with a valid state-issued ADA parking placard in the first four rows of the lot immediately south of the stadium and in the lot opposite Gate B of the Bryce Jordan Center.
As in previous years, there will be no admission or parking fee for the Blue-White game.
Halftime will feature the announcement of the annual spring football awards as well as recipients of the Student Book Store's "Player of the Game" from last season. In addition, one of Penn State's all-time greats, Wally Triplett, will be introduced at halftime. The winning entry of the Official White Out T-Shirt student design contest also will be revealed as part of the activities.
Festivities outside the stadium are scheduled from 6-11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday and will be held just west of the stadium:
- Entertainment, musical groups and contests will take place on the student stage, including performances by the Blue Band, the Penn State Cheerleaders and Lionettes Dance Team;
- An area to purchase previously worn Nittany Lion practice and game day gear, such as jerseys and helmets;
- A full carnival with rides, midway games and prizes, as well as a children's play area;
- Clem's and Prospector's BBQ will be available in addition to other carnival fare.
The Blue-White Game will air on the Penn State Sports Network, with Steve Jones and Joe Paterno calling the action, as well as on the official Penn State Athletics website: www.GoPSUsports.com and on several TV outlets. Check GoPSUsports.com for a listing of radio and television clearances.
The security measures in and around Beaver Stadium on gameday will be in effect for the Blue-White Game. There will be an increased number of security and stadium personnel at the game. At gates A and B, fans who do not have carry-ins will be able to enter the stadium immediately through the gates. Fans with carry-ins 8 1/2 x 11 inches, or smaller, will be subject to a search at a designated area at the gate.
Backpacks, knapsacks, large purses and large bags will not be permitted into the stadium. Any item larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches will not be permitted into the stadium.
All items brought into the stadium are subject to inspection. Items not permitted into the stadium that are left at the gate will be removed and disposed of for security reasons.
The Blue-White Game is one of the nation's most popular spring football contests. More than 40,000 loyal and enthusiastic Penn State fans have attended the contest in eight of the past 10 years, with rainy conditions during the other two contests.
Last fall, Sports Illustrated on Campus magazine called a Penn State home football weekend, "The Greatest Show in College Sports." Nittany Lion fans have finished in the top four in NCAA football attendance each of the past 15 years, with three crowds above 109.000 during last season's Big Ten and FedEx Orange Bowl title run.
Season tickets and Club seats are available for the 2006 season, which will feature seven home games, including the first visit by Michigan since 2001 on October 14.
The athletic ticket office in the Bryce Jordan Center will be open Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Season football tickets are available and season ticket holders are reminded that the deadline for renewals is May 1. For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, interested parties can call 1-800-648-8269 (1-800-NITTANY). For additional information on club seats, call 814-863-3143 and ask for Bob White.
The Penn State All-Sports Museum will have extended hours of operation during Blue-White Weekend. The Museum will be open on Friday, April 21 from 10 a.m-8 p.m. and Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m-4 p.m. The museum will be closed on Saturday as it is during the season.
In addition to the Blue-White Game, several other Penn State teams are competing at home during this weekend:
In addition to the Blue-White Game, several other Penn State teams are competing at home during the weekend of April 21-23:
Friday, April 21
- Men's tennis vs. Michigan, 2:00 p.m. (please note time change)
- Softball vs. Michigan State, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 22
- Men's golf hosts Rutherford Intercollegiate, 7:30 a.m.
- Men's & women's track and field host Nittany Lion Relays, 11:00 a.m.
- Men's lacrosse vs. Rutgers, 12:00 p.m.
- Softball vs. Michigan State, 12:00 p.m.
- Football - Blue-White Game, 2:00 p.m. (autograph session at 12:30)
Sunday, April 23
- Men's golf hosts Rutherford Intercollegiate, 8:00 a.m.
- Softball vs. Michigan, 12:00 p.m. (DH)
- Men's tennis vs. Michigan State, 12:00 p.m.
Blue-White Weekend, presented by PHEAA, is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, WTAJ-TV 10 and 3WZ 95.3 FM.