Penn State Releases Football Eve, TailGreat Details

The game may be the main event on Saturday, but the opening of the Nittany Lions’ football season will return a couple other big traditions to Happy Valley, too.

Penn State has released details of Football Eve, scheduled for Friday, and the Blue Band TailGreat Show, scheduled for Saturday.

Here’s a rundown of some prime attractions at University Park this weekend:

• Football Eve: A promenade is set to open at 6 p.m. Friday on Curtin Road near Beaver Stadium, where kids’ games, food and music will be on hand. At 7 p.m., the stadium gates will open to fans; those who arrive then will be treated to a review of 2009 football highlights. The Football Eve regular program will begin at 7:45 p.m. and feature the Blue Band, cheerleaders, the dance team and videos. Coach Joe Paterno and All-American quarterback Chuck Fusina are among the scheduled speakers. Admission and parking are free.

• TailGreat Show: Doors will open at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center. The free show, to start at 10 a.m., will include performances by the Blue Band, the Lionettes Dance Team, Penn State cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion mascot. Free airbrushed tattoos, hairstyling and photo opportunities with cheerleaders will be available.

• Penn State vs. Youngstown State: The Nittany Lions will take on the Youngstown State Penguins starting at noon at Beaver Stadium.

• Notes: Parking lots for the game will open at 7 a.m. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Penn State is asking fans to use plastic — not glass — bottles at tailgate parties. General-parking passes for stadium lots can be purchased for $10 apiece until 6 p.m. Friday; on Saturday the price will increase to $40 apiece. More details are available through the university athletics website.

Earlier coverage

• Penn State Football: Bolden Named Starting QB for Saturday