For those who grew up in a Penn State family or a family of any of the other large state schools that pride themselves on community and football, the Penn State gameday experience will be nothing new. For a lot of us, though, seeing the community come together every Saturday is completely new.

When Penn State football says the first game of the season is the 107k Family Union game, it really means it. Even against a lesser opponent on Saturday, the attendance was a whopping 106,915, even though Beaver Stadium’s renovation capacity is just 106,304 fans.

Walking around downtown on Friday, it was obvious once again that the Penn State alumni base was back in Happy Valley for another football season. From families walking around with their kids to the younger graduates taking the time to hit the bars again, the community was bustling with people from past generations of Nittany Lions.

The insane atmosphere that Beaver Stadium and the entire game day create could not be possible without the wonderful alumni across the country and world who travel to Happy Valley throughout the year. So as a blog, we want to thank you.

Thank you for creating the Beaver Stadium atmosphere. Thank you for allowing the current students to be a part of something so special. Thank you for bringing your friends and your families along for the ride.

Thank you for setting up tailgates and cooking the food that makes the parking lots smell so good. Thank you for participating in every theme Penn State athletics sets up throughout the year. Thank you for being welcoming.

Thank you for being loud in the stadium even if you don’t have a voice. Thank you for sharing your stories with the current Penn State students. Thank you for staying up to date on all the athletics programs. Thank you for all the men’s and women’s caves you have at home filled with Nittany Lion decor.

Oh, and also, thank you for the athletic and academic donations you make every year.

The Happy Valley hospitality would not be possible without the past graduates of this university making an effort to make it so great.

From someone who did not grow up a part of the Penn State family or a Penn State fan, the alumni’s welcoming arms have been greatly appreciated. As a blog, we thank you, alumni, for all that you do for Penn State.