Following some high-stakes, in-depth investigative journalism, Onward State has finally found an answer to the burning question on every senior’s mind: “Can we buy chicken baskets at graduation next weekend?”

The answer? A resounding “no”.

According to a Penn State spokesperson, Beaver Stadium’s concessions stands will be open when the Class of 2021 gets recognized in person from May 7 to 9. However, they’ll sell only bottled beverages — non-alcoholic, of course, you party animals.

Rachel Pell, vice president of Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communication, said avoiding meal and snack sales should help guests follow public health guidelines more easily.

“The health and safety of students, guests and employees is our top priority during these ceremonies, and serving only bottled beverages will help us support masking and physical distancing by cutting down on the traffic to and from concession stands, minimizing time guests have their masks off, and reducing clean-up between the many ceremonies,” Pell said.

In a statement, Penn State said following health guidelines, including mask-wearing and social distancing, will remain as important as ever this weekend as thousands travel to campus to recognize the Class of 2021. Every senior can bring two guests along to their respective in-person ceremony at Beaver Stadium.

Hopefully, soon-to-be-graduates were able to score their final chicken basket as Penn State students when seniors visited Beaver Stadium for a football practice last weekend. If not, the Nittany Lions’ home opener against Ball State is just 136 days away…