For every home gameday with a noon kickoff, first-year students living in East Halls are woken up by Penn State’s Blue Band at 6 a.m. This long-standing tradition has taken place for years and sets the tone for the day. The sound lets everyone know that it’s time for Penn State football.

We here at Onward State decided to brainstorm some alternative ideas of things that could wake up freshmen on game days. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

The Purge Siren

Picture this: It’s 6 a.m. and instead of the Blue Band, the Purge siren goes off. Freshman fight or flight instincts might kick in, and some may run straight to the tailgate lots or back to their sneaky links twin bed in Pollock. There’s no doubt this would wake people up and ensure our young Penn Staters get locked in and ready to clock in at Beaver Stadium early.

The ‘We Are’ Chant

You know you’ve peaked at Penn State when you’ve single-handedly started a “We Are” chant and got people to respond. Why not shoot your shot and wake up some freshman while you’re at it? Start a chant and don’t stop until you get a response. It’s gameday, so what better way to get them hyped?

Den Tuesday DJ

We know the Den Tuesday DJ will get these young bucks rowdy. As soon as they hear those classic Tuesday bar beats, freshman will be on their feet and out of bed. DJggy will be present on the upper East side of campus, ensuring the first-years are up, moving, and ready to tailgate.

Mo Bamba From Beaver

Who’s calling? Beaver Stadium is calling.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up from their beautiful slumber with an ode from Sheck Wes? Mo Bamba is practically a gameday anthem at Penn State, and blasting it from Beaver Stadium would guarantee that everyone is fired up.

Nittanyville With Pots & Pans

Nittanyville is only a short walk away from East Halls, and the diehard fans who camp out are always ready to rumble. Armed with pots and pans, there’s no question the grittiest Penn State fans would storm East to wake the freshmen up. Their dedication and rowdiness would show and get the kids to kick the sheets.

Fire Alarm Testing

Fire alarms are commonly dreaded by the inhabitants of Penn State’s dorms. Whether you’re in the shower, doing homework, or walking out the door, the fire alarms are always catching you at the worst times. However, they are loud and always get your attention. It’s like a phone alarm on steroids — there’s no way anyone is sleeping through it.

The Willard Preacher And A Megaphone

Let’s give Gary Cattell a megaphone. The Willard Preacher’s voice already cuts through campus like no one else, but imagine him amplified to wake up the beautiful residents of East Halls. A wake-up call and a sermon? What could be better?