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about a year ago

Fight on State: Guido Relieved of Duties

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According to a report from FightOnState.com, Guido D’Elia has been relieved of his duties as Director of Football Communications and Branding. D’Elia was hired in 2004 to rejuvenate a fan base and transform the game-day atmosphere at Beaver Stadium.

Some of the notable additions to the game-day experience throughout D’Elia’s tenure were whiteouts, Zombie Nation, the Gladiator video, and several themed games including “(Favorite) Jersey Day”, and “Classic Day” which centered around wearing tie dye.

In 2005, a few weeks after a memorable home victory over Ohio State, Sports Illustrated named Penn State “The Greatest Show in College Football.” Going forward, this would become D’Elia’s marketing campaign as many fans began to grow angry with piped in music that took playing time away from the Blue Band and an atmosphere that they believed was forced.

The firm “Mind Over Media” who produced the show “Penn State Football Story” was also not retained. D’Elia has part ownership in the company.

For those unfamiliar with D’Elia’s role, these two posts provide a bit more insight.

Guido’s departure will certainly lead to some changes on Saturdays at Beaver Stadium.

Stay tuned for more details as they unfold along with reactions.

Football - The Penn State Nittany Lions football program currently resides in the Big Ten conference and has won two National Championships. Known for tradition, Beaver Stadium, and Joe Paterno, the program is a point of pride and solidarity in the community. Read more

12 Responses to “Fight on State: Guido Relieved of Duties”

ksam says:

THANK GOD. All that has been wrong with the non-game playing portion of PSU football for years. It has become ALL about the marketing and sizzle during Guido’s reign. Blue/White weekend is now nothing more than a circus/carnival/$$$ mmaking boondoggle. JUST PLAY THE FREAKING GAME!

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fcskills says:

about damn time. Did anyone seriously expect Joe’s right hand man to be retained in the new regime?  Take your Jay-Z with you.

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Johnny says:

I never liked where PSU’s game atmosphere went under Guide’s tenure. I thought it made the games like a minor league baseball. But I am concerned about what a new guy would do to change things up. 

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Dan says:

I vote to get rid of the band director as well. Bring in a USC or Grambling type, bring on the drums and contiune going in  a direction to pump up the crowd. I get sick of seeing folks fall asleep in the stands. 

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Finnegan Bojangles says:

And see the band turn into a bunch of douchebags, instead of the hard-working and upstanding group of young men and women that they are and have been for years under Dr. Bundy and his predecessors? No thanks.

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Finnegan Bojangles says:

This is in response to your USC suggestion, of course. I don’t know the character of Grambling’s band but I can tell you right now a bunch of whitebread Pennsylvania kids will never be able to pull off the kind of things that HBCU bands like Grambling do without making it look forced and pathetic.

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PSUfb08 says:

Had a friend who interned for Guido a few years back. Don’t think anyone ever realized exactly how much Guido did and how much behind the scenes work went into making Beaver Stadium so special. Also my understanding that Guido was the one behind the university’s brand (not just football). TV commercials, etc.

I would call this a HUGE loss for the football program and the university.

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