Before Saturday’s opening kickoff, before the buses pull up to Beaver Stadium, before sleepy tailgaters break out their grills and coolers, before Paternoville breaks down camp, one single event will mark the true beginning of football season in Happy Valley, as it does every year.

This Friday night, Football Eve will kick off the 2011 Penn State football season right in Beaver Stadium, with festivities outside beginning at 6pm followed by the rally inside the stadium at 7:45pm. Admission is free, and fans can enter Beaver Stadium through Gates A and B beginning at 7pm. You may want to wait a little, however, as the Penn State Blue Band will be marching down Curtin Road at 7:15pm.

Football Eve is among the highlights of the season for many fans and students. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn new songs and cheers from the Blue Band and will be treated to appearances by the Penn State Nittany Lion, Penn State football team, and Joe Paterno himself, who will address the crowd. The rally will conclude with fireworks at around 8:30pm.

The weather should be great, as usual, so you have no excuse to miss it. Show up, or JoePa will tell you to “shove it!”

Friday is also College Colors Day, a national campaign that began in 2005 to celebrate “the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great”, according to their website. While there is never a need to remind Penn Staters to wear blue and white, especially the Friday before a football game, make sure that you’re dressed accordingly!