Penn State fans know how to tailgate, and maybe a little too well.

On any home game Saturday, thousands of fans pack the tailgating lots hours before kickoff, drinking, playing games, and hanging out with friends before eventually making their way into Beaver Stadium.

But for plenty of people, that last part never actually happens.

Tennessee recently introduced a Happy Hour at Neyland Stadium, offering fans half-priced concessions for the first hour after gates open. The promotion, which includes alcohol, was initially tested before last Saturday’s game and received an overwhelmingly positive response, so Tennessee announced it would continue the promotion for the rest of the season.

The idea is pretty simple: get the fans into the stadium earlier and keep them around by giving them something they actually want.

Penn State tried to shorten the entry line by letting students get their wristbands the Friday before the game, but now the wait for the early wristband is just as long.

Beaver Stadium is already one of the biggest parts of Penn State’s gameday experience, but getting fans into their seats, especially before kickoff, can feel like a completely different challenge.

Crowd retention has become an increasingly noticeable issue for Penn State football. Fans often leave their seats throughout games, while others spend the afternoon outside the stadium in bars or tailgating lots.

And honestly, it’s easy to understand why.

Tailgating can easily be the main event. People arrive early, spend hours with friends and family, and have everything they need right there. Food and drinks are cheaper outside the stadium than inside, making the decision pretty obvious for the average college student.

That’s where the pregame “Happy Hour” could make a difference.

Beaver Stadium could offer half-price concessions for the first hour after gates open, giving fans a reason to head inside earlier rather than spending the entire afternoon outside.

It could show pregame coverage on video boards, as Neyland did with College Gameday, or add other activities to make getting into the stadium feel worthwhile.

The goal wouldn’t be to replace the tailgate; rather, it would create a transition from tailgating to the stadium.

If Penn State wants to improve crowd retention and create a louder, fuller atmosphere inside Beaver Stadium, maybe all it needs is a little incentive and half-priced beer.