Update 4:14 p.m.: After receiving information from Lion Ambassador representatives, Onward State learned that the S-Zone’s appearance at Ohio State in 2008 was not sponsored by the Lion Ambassadors. This weekend’s Big Ten doubleheader will is sponsored by the Lion Ambassadors, meaning it will be the first official appearance made by the S-Zone outside of Happy Valley.

Update 1:46 p.m.: Contrary to information published in the press release, Saturday’s doubleheader at Madison Square Garden will not be the first time the S-Zone travels away from Happy Valley to support the Lions. The S-Zone made the trip to Columbus for Penn State’s primetime matchup with Ohio State in 2008.

Penn State men’s basketball and hockey will take on Michigan in Saturday’s Big Ten doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. While these are technically neutral-site games, the Nittany Lion faithful will feel right at home with the addition of a certain Happy Valley tradition.

For the first time in history, the S-Zone will travel away from Penn State and make an appearance at Madison Square Garden to provide that student section atmosphere while affirming the notion that nobody travels better than Penn State fans.

This isn’t the first time the S-Zone has made an appearance at a sporting event outside of football; the Penn State Lion Ambassadors most notably organized an S-Zone appearance at Rec Hall for Penn State’s Return To Rec series in December — one clad in pink and black to match the team’s “throwback” jerseys. Along with basketball, the S-Zone has been at Pegula Ice Arena on a number of occasions this season.

The S-Zone is a gameday staple in Happy Valley, and the opportunity to bring that atmosphere to the most iconic arena in the world is one the Lion Ambassadors simply couldn’t pass up.

“Expanding the S-Zone is a project we have been looking forward to all year,” Lion Ambassadors Executive Vice President Jerry Bannon said in a press release. “Putting on an S-Zone at Madison Square Garden is something we never imagined doing. We’re very excited for this opportunity.”

Just another reason to get excited about Saturday’s historic doubleheader. Be sure to get your basketball and hockey tickets while there’s still time.