Tailgating is one of the most enjoyable aspects of sports for many fans, but even though Penn State football will be played this fall, there will not be any tailgating allowed outside Beaver Stadium.
That’s a huge bummer for a lot of people, who will miss many aspects of the tailgating experience.
Family. It’s a family event. From the people I’ve been going with since I was a baby to the people tailgating next to us for decades. I can grill a hot dog or burger anywhere. It’s the people.
— Bryan (@BigSchu03) September 17, 2020
The bouncing around from tailgate to tailgate talking with old friends and making new ones!
— Tom McIntyre (@tompsumac) September 17, 2020
Penn State and the Big Ten will not be allowing the general public to attend games this season, only family members of the teams.
But even though fans won’t be allowed, the possibility of tailgating outside the stadium still seemed like an idea many fans would have enjoyed.
That won’t happen, though, as PSU athletic director Sandy Barbour confirmed Thursday during a Zoom call.
“We will not be allowing tailgating in our parking lots and on campus property,” she said.
“This has always been about health and safety.”
Barbour seemed to understand that even though fans won’t be allowed at the games, that won’t necessarily stop them from gathering in large groups somewhere.
“We’re really asking our Penn State Nation to cheer us on, have small home personal watch parties, but do it safely,” Barbour said.
“You’re not going to be able to do tailgating on the campus, as much as we would love you being able to do this. … We want you to continue to back the guys, but do it in a safe and responsible manner.”
Some fans absolutely will be determined to party along with others during the games.
Bold of you to assume that covid is gonna stop me
— Christian Luciano (@ChrisLuciano98) September 17, 2020
Alas, it just won’t be outside the stadium at a traditional tailgate site.
And certainly, not being able to tailgate all day before the game comes with one big drawback from the adult beverage standpoint, as several fans mentioned (some in humorous terms that aren’t for print).
Drinking entirely too much IC light at 7:30 in the morning
— Jake (@jjs5855) September 17, 2020
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