Penn State football’s tradition of making its fans part of game-day activities while in their seats will continue this season with three themed games, plus several promotions, at Beaver Stadium.
The highlight is the annual White Out, which is scheduled for the Nov. 9 game against Big Ten newcomer Washington.
The White Out began unofficially in 2002 with a 40-7 upset of No. 7 Nebraska. The first official White Out was a 20-13 loss to No. 7 Purdue in 2004. The most memorable edition was a 24-21 win over No. 2 Ohio State in 2016. Last year’s White Out was a 31-0 win over Iowa. Penn State is 11-8 in White Out games.
The other fan-participation games are:
—Stripe Out, scheduled for the UCLA game Oct. 5 — Each section will be coordinated in either all blue or white clothing to create a stripe effect. Fans can learn their stripe-out color at PennStateStripeOut.com. Also, the annual All-University Day will include halftime involvement of students from all Penn State campuses.
—Helmet Stripe, scheduled for the Ohio State game Nov. 2 — The third game of this type is expected to have a helmet stripe layout inside the stadium. The majority of the fans will wear white, while select sections on the East and West sides will wear blue to create a resemblance to a Penn State helmet.
Other promotions include:
—THON game, Youth Sports & Spirit Day and Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day for the Bowling Green game Sept. 7 — Penn State football will partner with THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world that has raised more than $236 million in the fight against childhood cancer. Spirit Day includes a pre-game cheer and dance clinic and an opportunity for participants to perform at halftime.
—Military Appreciation Day for the Kent State game Sept. 21 — Penn State will honor men and women who have served the U.S. The theme this year is POW/MIA and recognizes those who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Fans may purchase tickets to be donated to military members and their families through the “Seats for Servicemembers” program. ROTC elite, active duty, veterans and military families will be honored and student-athletes with a 3.0 or higher GPA during the spring semester will be recognized.
—Homecoming for the Illinois game Sept. 28 — Penn State will celebrate the 2024-25 Guide State Forward award winners. The annual Homecoming Parade will return to campus and downtown State College on Friday night, Sept. 27. The football team will wear uniforms with design elements from the past. The 1994 Rose Bowl team also will be honored on the 30th anniversary of victory against Oregon. Finally, The Pennsylvania Pork Producers will serve as host at the PA Pork Rib Cook-Off at Block Party.
—Senior Day, Scout Day, Educator Appreciation Day, Medical Services Appreciation Day and Parents Weekend for the Maryland game Nov. 30.
Penn State’s season opener will kickoff at noon Aug. 31 at West Virginia (FOX).
