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Staff Picks: The Best Part About Returning To Beaver Stadium

In just a few months, Beaver Stadium will be #107kStrong for the first time in nearly two years. Naturally, our staffers are just as excited as any Penn Staters to spend a night under the stadium lights once again.

Returning to our proverbial home is sure to bring some changes, but there are always some things you can count on when you’re in good ol’ Beaver Stadium. Here’s what our staff is looking forward to most once fans are back in the stands:

Charles Reinert: Condom Balloons?

It’s going to be a surreal experience walking through those gates and seeing a sea of white in a few months. I won’t lie, a tear or two may be shed. But with so many different things to look forward to, I’m definitely excited for the return of condom balloons. They make an appearance at almost every home game, and they’re always a crowd favorite. Think of them like the beach balls you see at a concert, except this time, you’re afraid to touch them because you do not know where they’ve been.

Dana Nunemacher: The Fear Of Getting Puked On

If you sat in section NAU during the 2014 White Out, I was the 13-year-old who got puked on. Since then, I have never trusted the people sitting behind me in Beaver Stadium. I always find myself looking over my shoulder and keeping as far away as possible from those behind me. However, I oddly welcome the fear back if it means I can hang out with 107,000 of my closest friends. I hope by putting this into an article that the universe does not get any ideas, but if it happens again, at least I’m ready.

Frankie Marzano: The Beaver Stadium Mic Man

One of the best parts about the Penn State gameday experience is the anticipation leading up to the game. The energy in downtown State College the night before a game, hanging out in the tailgate lots, and walking through Gate A all build up the excitement throughout the day. There’s nothing like letting that excitement out while screaming, “ARE YOU READY FOR PENN STATE FOOTBALL?” with the Beaver Stadium mic guy and 107,000 of your closest friends.

Jordan Mansberger: ‘Zombie Nation’

I’m most excited to not only get back in Beaver Stadium but to get the full gameday experience. If I had to pick one thing that I’m most excited about, it’s hearing everyone scream Zombie Nation after a turnover again. I honestly might break into tears when I hear the “We Are Penn State” part in a crowd again.

Will Pegler: The Big Uglies

Brothers David, Paul, and John Duda were sorely missed at Beaver Stadium this past season. These three Nittany Lion fans have been known as the Big Uglies for more than 25 years, as they’ve roamed Beaver Stadium and pumped up the crowd while sporting their iconic and ugly masks. Penn State’s games will be absolutely electric with 107,000 folks back in their seats, but getting the Big Uglies back in the crowd is what I’m most excited for. Those superfans are a staple of Nittany Lion football games, and their return will be the cherry on top of an unbelievable home opener against Ball State.

Caitlin Burns: The ~Ambiance~

Honestly, I just can’t wait to be back in the best atmosphere in the world with 107,000 of my closest friends. Being in Beaver Stadium for your first game in the student section is a life-changing experience, and I feel so lucky that I get to experience my senior year back in Beaver Stadium with blue and white shakers in hand.

Matt DiSanto: Chicken Baskets

“But Matt!” you might say. “You could’ve bought chicken baskets at the Bryce Jordan Center during THON or when it hosted classes this fall!”

Wrong. Real ones know the true chicken baskets are found only at Beaver Stadium’s concession stands. Those $10 beauties are wonderfully overhyped, but you know what? They’re damn well good. I look forward to blowing my meal points on a half dozen of these bad boys over the season. Nothing beats one warming you up as you freeze your ass off at a late-season blowout over Rutgers (read: See you November 20).

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Staff

Posts from the all-student staff of Onward State.

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