The Beaver Stadium home opener is always one of the more enjoyable games of the year, but if the weather forecasts come to fruition, you might be making an early exit from the stadium amidst lightning storms. The team released a statement this afternoon explaining the evacuation plan and tomorrow’s predicted storms.

“Penn State officials are carefully monitoring weather forecasts for Saturday,” the statement said. “In response to weather forecasts calling for showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4 p.m., officials are urging fans to be alert to the possibility of lightning accompanying storms.”

According to Accuweather, t-storms are in the forecast at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow. Mark Bodenschatz, the Penn State associate athletic director for facilities and operations, said that its possible the Nittany Lions can avoid the lightning storms altogether during game time. He noted that fans should remain vigilant and follow instructions to seek shelter whether inside the stadium watching the game or in the parking lot tailgating. Bodenschatz said the stadium’s public address system will be used to provide necessary directions of there is a threat of lightning.

The release also provided a color-coded map of designated shelter areas and evacuation routes. The three main pre-designated areas for shelter include the Bryce Jordan Center, Medlar Field, and the East Parking Deck. Other facilities will be opened if needed and patrons with cars can take shelter in their vehicle.

Based on your seat location in the stadium, you will follow a designated route should evacuation become necessary. The following is a breakdown of who goes where, following the color-coded map atop this post:

Shelter within the Stadium: Seating sections EBU-EJU; NBU-NJU; SAU-SLU; and SAC-SLC)

Shelter in place: Suites; Press Box; and Seating sections with overhangs

Gate A: Orange Route exit to Holuba Hall (seats EAU, EA, SA, SB, SC, SD, SE SF, SG, SH, SJ, SK, WA, WAU)

Gate B: Yellow Route exit to Bryce Jordan Center (seats WB, WBU, WC, WCU, WD, WDU, WE, WEU, WF, WFU, WG, WGU, WH, WHU, WJ and WJU)

Gate C: Green Route exit to Bryce Jordan Center (seats NE, NF, NG)

Gate D: Purple Route exit to Ag Arena (seats NLU, NKU, NAU)

Gate E: Blue Route exit to Multi Sport Building (seats EB, EC ED, EE, EF, EG, EH and EJ)

The moral of the story is as follows: Do a rain dance tonight for good luck, have fun at the game tomorrow, stay safe, and let’s go State!