Penn State football will inch closer to normalcy by hosting what resembles a rebranded Blue-White Game this spring for freshmen only, which will bring fans to a live sporting event for the first time since 2019.

The event will bring the Class of 2024 to Beaver Stadium to watch the Nittany Lions’ final spring practice on Saturday, April 17. Additionally, tentative plans include inviting some cheerleaders, Blue Band members, and football players’ families for the afternoon, too.

Strangely, Penn State said it chose to bring freshmen over seniors because the former had likely never experienced a Beaver Stadium environment before.

“We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for our first-year students to experience Beaver Stadium for the first time as Penn Staters,” Penn State President Eric Barron said in a release. “Because of the pandemic, these students have missed out on this special tradition of cheering on the Nittany Lions, and we hope this will be a memorable way for them to gather together and celebrate the final practice of the spring.”

According a release, freshmen should hear about the event directly sometime soon, likely through an email.

Throughout the afternoon, Penn State will close its parking lots and ban tailgating in an effort to “minimize congregating.” However, Penn State said it plans on hosting a “virtual spring practice event” for students and the general public “in the coming weeks.”

“While first-year students have not yet been able to experience Nittanyville or take their spot in the best student section in the country in Beaver Stadium, we are thrilled they will be able participate in many other favorite traditions during this final spring practice, including the team entering the field, the Blue Band playing, cheer and dance squads performing, and the team singing of our beloved Alma Mater,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour said.

Barbour added she and her staff are still focused on working their way toward hosting a full Beaver Stadium by the time the team’s fall season rolls around.

The event’s news comes just days after Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced his administration will relax guidelines and restrictions on in-person gatherings come April 4. Under revised policies, outdoor events could be held at up to 50% capacity.

We’ll update this post with more information as it becomes available.