Photos by Alysa Rubin and Lily Whitmoyer

For the first time since 2019, Nittany Lions fans from across the country returned to Beaver Stadium to catch Penn State’s annual spring football game.

Although this year’s Blue-White Game took on a different form, the reunion of sorts still offered plenty of fun for fans of all ages. Throughout the weekend, our visual staff was there to capture memorable moments on and off the field.

Things truly kicked into high gear when the Nittany Lions arrived for the game on Curtin Road. Just like before a gameday in the fall, the Blue Band and Penn State cheerleaders led James Franklin and his players into the stadium. Along the way, Nittany Lions greeted fans, signed gear, and got the crowd pumped.

Once the team got settled inside, warmups followed. Getting loose was important on a day that began with some chilly temperatures!

Unable to field two full teams, Penn State chose to pit its offense against its defense on Saturday. Still, the altered format included plenty of action, including a touchdown from Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley.

Saturday’s Blue-White Game also featured heavy involvement from Penn State’s quarterbacks, including presumed starter Sean Clifford and former five-star recruit Drew Allar.

Football aside, plenty of student organizations took the field on Saturday to hype up the crowd. THON 2023’s executive committee came out for a line dance, while Homecoming’s top brass unveiled this year’s logo.

About halfway through the game, Beaver Stadium’s PA announcer said approximately 62,000 fans were in attendance. While that number certainly feels high, it’s clear plenty of Penn State fans made the trip to Happy Valley.

Plus, a Blue-White Game wouldn’t be a Blue-White Game without some prospective Nittany Lions on-hand.

Plenty of Penn State lettermen, including Mike Gesicki, returned to Happy Valley over the weekend to reconnect with Nittany Lions fans.

Although fans might’ve been a bit confused by Saturday’s unorthodox “game,” plenty of attendees got in on the action and loudly cheered from the bleachers. A rendition of Penn State’s Alma Mater had fans going nuts.

Once the game ended, fans had free reign to walk across Beaver Stadium’s turf. Some younger Nittany Lions ran into the end zone for a touchdown, while others took in what might’ve been their first or last Blue-White experiences as students.

All in all, this weekend’s Blue-White Game was a smashing success. We’ll see you back in Happy Valley in September!