Penn State Football Weekend: Where to Stay
Plan Your Penn State Football Getaway Right
Penn State football weekends transform State College into one of college sports’ most electric destinations. When the Nittany Lions play at home, over 100,000 fans converge on Beaver Stadium, filling downtown restaurants, tailgating lots, and hotel blocks throughout the region. If you’re attending a home game, the best strategy is simple: make it a full weekend, not a single-day rush.
A well-planned Penn State football weekend gives you time to explore campus traditions, enjoy the energy downtown, experience the legendary tailgating scene, and discover the best things to do in State College, PA. Just as important: you need a place to retreat when the crowds thin and the evening winds down.
Most visitors to Penn State football games stay in conventional hotels near campus. Apple Pony Inn offers something different. Located in historic Boalsburg, just four miles from Penn State University, our bed and breakfast sits on a 17-acre working farm on the slopes of Mount Nittany. After spending hours among thousands at Beaver Stadium, you return to countryside quiet, a comfortable guest suite, and a homemade farm-to-table breakfast the next morning.
What Happens During a Penn State Football Weekend
Fans begin arriving Friday afternoon. Restaurants and bars fill. Penn State gear appears everywhere. Former students retrace familiar routes through downtown. Families gather at the Nittany Lion Shrine. Lines form at the Penn State Berkey Creamery long before game day.
Saturday is the heart of it. Tailgating areas surrounding Beaver Stadium fill with tents, grills, music, and multi-generational gatherings of Penn State fans. The Blue Band, student section chants, and traditions create an atmosphere unmatched in college football. The White Out and Stripe Out games add visual spectacle that shapes how fans remember the day.
Give yourself Friday through Sunday. A multi-night stay lets you absorb the weekend without cramming everything into a single day.
Where to Stay for Penn State Football
If you’re looking for Hotels near Beaver Stadium, choose the Apple Pony Inn, which offers lodging with character, located just 4 miles away in Boalsburg. Our seven individually appointed guest suites feature views of Mount Nittany and the surrounding countryside. The inn sits on working farmland with horses, chickens, and a 17-acre setting that feels removed from campus activity yet close enough for game-day access.
Every registered guest receives a complimentary two-course, made-from-scratch breakfast. Our menus feature eggs from our own chickens, seasonal garden produce, and homemade jams and syrups. On Sundays, we serve our signature Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings with cinnamon whipped cream.
Instead of joining the Saturday morning scramble at downtown restaurants, you start your game day with breakfast at the Inn. After hours at Beaver Stadium, you have a comfortable retreat outside the center of State College. After the game, there’s time to decompress, sleep well, and enjoy a proper meal before heading home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State Football Weekends
What time should I arrive at Beaver Stadium?
Arrive several hours before kickoff if you want to experience tailgating and pre-game traditions. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. for noon games and 8 a.m. for later kickoffs. Traffic increases steadily as game time approaches, so early arrival makes the day easier.
How far is Apple Pony Inn from Penn State?
Apple Pony Inn is approximately four miles from Penn State University, making it convenient for football games and campus activities while offering a countryside setting away from downtown State College.
Should I buy Penn State football parking in advance?
Yes. Penn State sells limited single-game parking passes. Availability varies by game, so advance purchase is recommended. Parking is issued digitally.
What’s the best thing to do in State College besides the football game?
Campus exploration, the Nittany Lion Shrine, Berkey Creamery, downtown walking, the Arboretum at Penn State, the Palmer Museum of Art, and nearby Boalsburg all offer worthwhile activities during football weekend.
What should I wear to a Penn State football game?
Blue and white are always appropriate. Check whether your specific game has a theme. For the White Out, wear white. Stripe Out games assign blue or white based on seating section.
Can you tailgate at Penn State football games?
Yes. Tailgating is central to the Penn State football experience. Extensive parking and tailgating areas surround Beaver Stadium. Review current parking regulations before game day, especially if bringing a larger vehicle or setting up an elaborate tailgate.
What items are allowed into Beaver Stadium?
Penn State permits clear tote bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Review current stadium policies before your game, as rules change periodically.