Congratulations freshmen, you’ve almost made it through your first year! But your days of getting picked on for wearing a lanyard aren’t over until you experience one of the best traditions of the year — Blue-White Weekend. Follow these tips to make sure you get the most out of what is sure to be an amazing weekend.

1) Remember, It’s Free

For all of you newbies who may be confused about what the game actually is, it’s a free scrimmage that anyone can attend. You don’t need tickets or anything! Just walk right in to Beaver Stadium in time for the 4 p.m. kickoff. That is, if you actually go to the game, which I’ll get to soon.

2) You Can Sit Wherever You Want

A real, live freshman (my sister) told me there’s a lot of confusion up in East Halls about where you actually sit during the game. I’m here to tell you that you can sit wherever you want. Yes, that means that there is not a student section, and yes, that means parents can sit where the student section normally is. Want to sit in the front row? Go for it.

3) Penn State Plays Penn State

I hope everyone knows this already, but I’m just going to throw it in here just in case. Penn State doesn’t have an actual opponent in the Blue-White game. Instead, it plays against itself and half of the team wears white jerseys while the other half wears blue. This means Penn State is going to win no matter what.

4) Going To The Game Isn’t Mandatory

If you want to go to the game, it’s definitely entertaining. It’s not like a normal game, of course, but it’s still kind of fun and an excuse to watch some football in Beaver Stadium. But with that said, a ton of people just tailgate all day and don’t actually go to the game (sorry Coach Franklin, there’s no way we will be #107kstrong on Saturday). If you want to go, that’s cool, but if not, you aren’t really missing out on anything.

5) Find A Tailgate

Okay, so this one is kind of obvious, but a great tailgate is the key to a successful Blue-White. The weather is looking promising (please don’t rain, please don’t rain) and it should make for a great tailgating Saturday. Since many people don’t go actually go to the game, having a great spot in the lots is crucial. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

6) There Is A LOT To Do 

It’s called Blue-White Weekend for a reason. There are so many events and things to do all weekend. From theatre performances on Friday to autograph signings on Saturday and plenty of different sporting events throughout the weekend, there’s no reason you should be bored these upcoming few days. There’s a full listing of the events on GoPSUSports.

7) Whatever You Do, Don’t Sit In Your Dorm All Weekend

Blue-White Weekend is one of the best weekends at Penn State. There will be a ton of people in town, and you can tailgate one last time before the year ends. When I look back at my four years at Penn State, Blue-White Weekends are by far my favorites. Don’t spend the weekend in your dorm room. Get out and enjoy this weekend and make your own memories. Maybe this weekend will become one of your favorites, too.