Whether you’re trying to get in a little practice before walk-on tryouts or just looking to take a break from studying, Penn State offers a wide array of sports fields, complexes, and gymnasiums that are sure to meet all your athletic needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to play sports on campus.

IM Fields next to Beaver Stadium

It’s fitting that the most popular sports fields on campus sit right behind the shadow of Beaver Stadium. If you’ve ever played intramural football, soccer, or frisbee on the fields, you know how some people take friendly competition to the #NextLevel. I’m talking humiliating, testosterone-fueled levels of play that would make most rugby players blush. Maybe they think that such close proximity to the 2nd largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere gives them some sort of inexplicable power when it comes to athletic ability. Sadly, all they have to show for it is a few grass stains on snarky custom made team t-shirts.

 Turf Fields by the Golf Course

From dusk till dawn (and beyond), there is always something going on at the turf fields near the IST building on the west side of campus. Everything from pick-up soccer to rugby is played on the turf fields, making it an ideal gathering place for those interested in showing off their athletic prowess (or lack thereof).

Even if competition isn’t your scene, the fields remain open all day for you to kick around a ball with some friends, throw some frisbee, or even try to channel your inner-Sam Ficken and nail a few field goals.

Lawn in front of the Business Building

Nestled between the stunning glass facade of the Business Building and the Penn State Arboretum, this lawn offers some of the best scenery in all of State College. Just a few steps away from East Halls and the Berkey Creamery, this spot is an easy destination for almost anyone on campus. With the space being large enough to accommodate an entire commencement ceremony, there is almost no limit to the amount of sports that can be played here.

Lawn in front of Old Main

This is a classic destination for active students at Penn State. Situated in the heart of campus, the lawn in front of Old Main serves as a popular meet-up spot for students. Although the lawn is well-suited for a game of frisbee, football, or catch, you will have to keep a steady eye out for pedestrians. There’s nothing worse than tripping over a student trying to study or watching helplessly as your frisbee sails into the head of an innocent passerby.

 Lawn behind the IM Building

A popular tailgating destination, this lawn is great for more than just drinking before the game. With the exception of Saturdays, it’s open for a full-range of activities, and is close enough to East Halls to organize a large game of any kind.

 Basketball Courts at Rec Hall and IM Building

If you’ve ever played a game of pick-up at Penn State, chances are you’ve ran into some pretty unique and frustrating characters. I’ll let the guys from Dude Perfect explain.

Tennis Courts near East Halls

Love tennis? Then the East Hall tennis courts will be sure to serve your needs. It’s not your fault if you have other places to be. I understand. But it would be to your advantage to get out and play. My point is, just get out there and have a good time. Tennis could be the perfect match for you.

Squash/Racquetball courts in Rec Hall

Did you know squash is the number one aerobic sport, according to Forbes magazine? A mere 30 minutes of play can burn up to 400 calories, not to mention the fact that it’s some of the most fun you can have on campus. It’s also a fantastic stress reliever. Nothing calms the nerves quite like some good ol’ fashioned ball smacking. Also, you might run into our favorite former president.

*Honorable Mention: HUB Lawn (R.I.P.)

Remember when the HUB Lawn used to be a thing? That beautiful, well-manicured, enticing stretch of exquisite greenery that used to be full of students at all hours of the day and night? Well, now  it’s the proud home of 27 trailers someone slapped together and decided to call the “Penn State Bookstore”. Oh, and that new Human Health and Behavior Building is now slowly eating away at its cold, lifeless corpse.

I blame the BOT. #thehubisnotyourplayground