In case you haven’t merged your holiday and football calendars yet, Penn State football will host Purdue on Halloween, making October 31 one heck of a day.

The last time the Nittany Lions hosted a home football game around All Hallows’ Eve was in 2020 against Ohio State, which resulted in a 38 to 25 loss. Penn State’s overall Halloween record is 11-9-1.

That said, students have already begun preparing for the big day, including buying costumes. The dilemma students face with a football game on Halloween is whether they should wear those costumes to the game.

On one hand, it can be kind of awkward if you are one of the only people in your section wearing a costume. On the other hand, wearing a costume in general is a lot of fun!

I think Beaver Stadium should be filled with fans in costumes. Here’s why:

We always wear white and navy blue for games, which shows unity and school spirit. However, this may be your only chance to switch it up at a game without being ridiculed.

It’s uncommon for a home football game to take place on Halloween — the last time was six years ago, when fans weren’t even allowed in the stands due to COVID-19. Embrace the fact that it’s Halloween on a Saturday, and dress up!

While I have never been to a Penn State game on Halloween, I’m sure the Nittany Lion has some tricks up his sleeve to make the event a spectacle.

The mascot has dressed up as Michael Jackson before and danced with the Lionettes to Jackson’s hit song, “Thriller.” Who knows what the Nittany Lion may have planned for the upcoming game.

Wearing a costume is also a great way to meet other people at the game. Maybe you will see someone wearing the same costume as you. That’s an easy way to start a conversation with someone who shares your interests and maybe spark a new friendship.

Did you have multiple costumes in mind and not know which one to choose? Wear a costume to the game, and a different one for a later function. That gives you the opportunity to show off all your different looks throughout the day.

If you don’t want to get all dressed up in a costume for the game, wear a player’s jersey or put on some Nittany Lion ears. Your outfit doesn’t have to be extravagant to count as a costume.

Want a funny costume related to Penn State football, but you’re not too happy with Rocco Becht right now? Well, Elmo has a long-standing feud with a rock named Rocco. Wear an Elmo costume.

Ultimately, let your creativity shine and express yourself through costume!

Of course, follow Beaver Stadium guidelines on what you can and can’t bring inside. If you decide to wear a costume, check the rules before you lose a prop at security.

Overall, Halloween is the one day a year where it’s socially acceptable to dress up however you want. Why waste a couple hours wearing what you normally wear to a game when you could be twinning with the Nittany Lion mascot in a matching onesie?

If you are the only one that ends up wearing a costume, so what? Wearing a costume in a crowd of white and navy might even give you a better chance of being featured on the jumbotron. Have fun, and dress up!

Wear your costume, Penn State, and wear it with pride.

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