UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State men's basketball fans attending Friday night's season opener will notice some changes in the Bryce Jordan Center for the 2018-19 campaign. The Nittany Lions host North Florida at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to pregame festivities to unveil the 2018 National Invitation Tournament championship banner, the Penn State player introductions for 2018-19 will include new videos, dramatic arena floor lighting and be accompanied by pyrotechnic effects.
Fans may not see the BJC's new audio system, which uses 3D modeling to direct sound to all areas of the arena, but this adaptive sound technology is being used in only two other arenas — both NBA facilities — and in several Broadway theaters. Additional speakers added under the BJC scoreboard at mid-court will further enhance the gameday experience.
The festivities get underway Friday night when the gates open at 6:30 p.m. On the BJC's concourse level, fans can head to the selfie station and get pictures with the 2018 NIT trophy. Members of the Penn State Athletics Marketing staff will distribute team's schedule cards and posters throughout the arena during the game.
Following the unveiling of the 2018 NIT championship banner, Kim Pinder-Garner, the mother of Nittany Lion standout Shep Garner, will sing the national anthem.
The first 2,000 students to enter the BJC will receive Legion of Blue "Climb as One" T-shirts and the pregame buffet for the season opener features chicken tenders.
The Penn State student section has been expanded to meet the increased demand for tickets for the 2018-19 season. Students seating will occupy the lower level on the east sideline and both the upper and mid-sections near both ends of the court. A map of the expanded area is below.
For all fans entering the BJC, one of the efforts to increase the security of the ticket buying and event entry process is the move to mobile ticketing for single-game purchases. "Print at Home" PDF tickets will no longer be issued or accepted for men's basketball games at the Bryce Jordan Center in 2018-19.
Fans attending the game Friday night are encouraged to check their ticket Penn State Athletics ticket account and verify that their tickets are on their phone. To expedite entry and eliminate the need for cell service or internet connectivity, fans should download their mobile tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay prior to arriving at the BJC.
Additional information and a guide to frequently asked questions for mobile ticketing is available HERE.
Enhanced security measures implemented last year for concerts and athletics events at the BJC include the addition of metal detectors at exterior entry points as part of the facility's security protocol. As in past years, the enforcement of Intercollegiate Athletics' bag policy will also be in place.
Fans who have attended other BJC events are likely to have experienced these heightened security measures as the overall safety and security of fans, teams and facility personnel is a top priority at all Penn State venues.
For information or to purchase Penn State men's and women's basketball single-game tickets, fans should go to: www.gopsusports.com/tickets/psu-tickets.html or call 1-800-NITTANY, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
