Topics

More

Staff Picks: Beaver Stadium Food That’s Better Than A Chicken Basket

On Saturdays in Happy Valley, there are a few constants: Penn State football, tailgates, Beaver Stadium, and chicken baskets.

Though chicken baskets are near and dear to many Penn Staters’ hearts, our staffers think there are a few menu items at Beaver Stadium that may even be better. So, here are some of their recommendations for the next time you’re hungry and have meal points to burn:

Sarah Sacker: Cheeseburger

I have had my fair share of cheeseburgers in my life, but there’s something magical about the cheeseburger at Beaver Stadium. Believe me, I know it’s not the best quality, but there is just something about it. I usually only need to add some ketchup before I’m smiling the entire time I’m eating it. With one before the game starts and one in the middle of the third quarter, I’m the happiest person in that stadium. I’m also a superstitious person, and every time I’ve eaten a cheeseburger this year, Penn State football hasn’t failed me. If you are a cheap burger fan, Beaver Stadium does it justice.

Anna Wiggins: Hot Dog

Say what you want about hot dogs, but sometimes they hit the spot. An American classic, the hot dog never seems to fail at whatever event you may find yourself at a concessions stand, and a football game at Beaver Stadium is certainly no different. I add ketchup and mustard to my ‘dawg in a fun squiggle design to give it some flair before it goes down the hatch. It’s an art project and food — what more could you want?

Gabriel Herman: Pizza Cone

The pizza cone is the way to go if you are looking for convenience. Yes, a chicken basket is a much more filling option, but it is also more time-consuming. From the first day I stepped on campus, I had heard of chicken baskets during football season. However, I needed to discover the pizza cone on my own.

As a hungry student looking to grab an open seat with friends and not miss much of the game’s action, this is a tasty option. I love chicken baskets, but we will have pizza cones if you want to have lunch with me on Saturdays. I also prefer the pepperoni ones.

Will Pegler: Press Box Mac & Cheese

This is lesser-known Beaver Stadium food needs to be served throughout the stadium. I think I crushed at least four plates of mac & cheese during the Indiana game last weekend, and I have zero regrets about it. The pasta is perfectly coated in cheese along with a crisp layer at the top, and if Penn State has the ability to cook enough for 107,000 hungry fans, they absolutely should.

Matt DiSanto: Frozen Lemonade

The frozen lemonade served at Beaver Stadium isn’t unique to Happy Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. For just a few bucks, you’re able to enjoy a perfectly cool treat that strikes a good balance between sweet and sour. These bad boys are perfect for hot noon games when you need a way to beat the heat without missing any of the action.

Plus, Beaver Stadium’s frozen lemonade is sponsored by Minute Maid. That’s right…a Coke product at Penn State! Grabbing a frozen lemonade on gameday could be your way to flip the bird to the university’s almighty contract with the Pepsi overlords.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Staff

Posts from the all-student staff of Onward State.

‘Best Night Of My Life’: Adam Taliaferro Looks Back On His Beaver Stadium Return 25 Years Later

On September 1, 2026, we will be reminded that the tunnel was not the end of the story, but the beginning.

Penn State Football Quarterback Alex Manske Primed For Game Action Against Marshall

“He’s forced us to have to play him, and he’s been really good, especially with going through what he did.”

Alleged Leader Of Penn State’s Drug Trafficking Ring Challenging Denial Of Bail

Agostino Abbatiello is a former Penn State student and member of Sigma Chi.

113kFollowers
70.6kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter

Other posts by Onward State

Staff Picks: Predicting Penn State Football’s 2026 Season MVP

Tony Rojas, Rocco Becht, Brett Eskildsen? Penn State’s most valuable player could come from anywhere after a disaster 2025 season.

What Did Seniors Wish They Knew As Freshmen?

OS Drafts: The Best Things About Returning To Penn State