With just three weeks remaining in the spring semester, Penn State’s newest class of first-year students has yet to enter the gates of Beaver Stadium for reasons other than a mandatory COVID-19 test.

On Saturday, the Class of 2024 will finally have the opportunity to grace the Beaver Stadium bleachers to enjoy a revised edition of the annual Blue-White Game.

In addition to watching James Franklin’s squad compete on the field, freshmen are welcomed to the “Beaver Stadium 101” program prior to kickoff, allowing students to learn and embrace the unique traditions that come with the Penn State football experience.

If you’re looking for a leg-up on your fellow classmates prior to Saturday’s main event, use the guide below to prepare yourself for your first experience as an integral part of the “Greatest Show In College Sports,” per Sports Illustrated.

1. Download Your Digital Ticket

This year marks the first since the Blue-White game’s inception in 1951 that tickets are required for entry into Beaver Stadium.

To avoid the awkward confusion at Gate A, download the Penn State Athletics app and log into your student account manager to keep your ticket handy prior to kickoff.

2. Arrive Early To Gate A

Although each ticket suggests the game begins at 1 p.m., the “Beaver Stadium 101” program is set to start promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Regardless of your assigned seating position, all students must enter the stadium through Gate A, located at the intersection between Curtain and Porter Road. To beat the rush, lining up at the gate as soon as it opens at noon would ensure your ability to find your seat with ample time to spare.

3. Get To Know Beaver Stadium Cheers

Aside from the classic “We Are!” call and the adopted Zombie Nation hum, many freshmen are unaware of the true tunes that have defined Penn State football.

Before and after kickoff, the Blue Band will play the Alma Mater, which is, in essence, Penn State’s own theme song. Composed by esteemed American literature professor Fred Lewis Pattee, the hymn was adopted as Penn State’s own in 1901.

In 2012, as a unique way to honor the university, Bill O’Brien began having the team stay on the field after the conclusion of the game to sing the Alma Mater before exiting, regardless of the matchup’s result.

Before the final rendition of Alma Mater begins, the team turns and faces the student section as both groups sway to the rhythm and sing in unison. The coordinated effort results in one of college football’s coolest displays of unity and school spirit.

Furthermore, the Blue Band will rock to “Fight On State,” “Victory,” “Hail To The Lion,” and other timeless hits to prepare the newest members of the student body for a memorable sophomore campaign.

4. Be Loud!

As the newest members of the reigning Live Más Student Section of Year award winners, great responsibility comes with sitting within the confines of the south end zone.

From Kirk Herbstreit to Urban Meyer, it is well-documented that Beaver Stadium poses opponents with one of the loudest, most raucous atmospheres in all of sports.

In order to continue the student section’s tradition of excellence, the freshmen class must commit themselves to be loud, proud, and engaged. You’d better make a good first impression, right?

5. Don’t Take The Beaver Stadium Experience For Granted

Although Saturday will be anything but a normal Penn State football Saturday, enjoy and savor the opportunity to be there with about 10,000 of your closest friends.

Freshmen, your class will be the first to attend a semi-normal event in Beaver Stadium since November 30, 2019. If the pandemic has taught Penn Staters anything, it’s that we need to enjoy the little things as often as we can.

By bringing your school spirit and passion en masse, you are doing your part in creating the first of hopefully many memorable Beaver Stadium moments in 2021.