Sweet Caroline Reappears at Beaver Stadium but Song’s Future is Still Uncertain

Penn State football fans had reason to celebrate at last weekend’s home game against Kent State.

The Nittany Lions won the game handily by a score of 34-0.

Not only that, but Neil Diamond’s classic song, “Sweet Caroline” returned to the game plan. The crowd enthusiastically sang along to the familiar tune when it was played during a break in the second quarter.

Sweet Caroline was banished in 2011 in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The university said the song was taken off the playlist to make room for other music. However, many fans suspected the decision to exile Sweet Caroline was based on the lyrics, “touching me, touching you.”

Echoing the sentiments of many Penn State faithful, board of trustee member Edward “Ted” Brown was one of those pushing to have Sweet Caroline added back to the playlist. However, some people questioned his stand and wondered if the board of trustees didn’t have bigger issues to tackle.

Asked about the song’s return, Brown told StateCollege.com, “I couldn’t be more delighted. I agree it’s a small thing but every step is important.”

Brown says he personally spoke with athletic director Dave Joyner about Sweet Caroline and had been assured the song would be back by the Michigan game scheduled for October 12. Obviously, the decision to play Sweet Caroline was made sooner, not later.

Athletic department spokesperson Jeff Nelson says the reason Sweet Caroline was played at the Kent State game is that it, “has been the song most requested by fans this season, whether via social media or our online Gameday Music Crew.”

But it’s unclear whether the song will still be a regular feature. Asked if Sweet Caroline will be played during football games in the weeks ahead,  Nelson said, “I can’t speak for future games.”

What do you think? Take our Sweet Caroline poll and be sure to watch our clip of the song being played at Beaver Stadium during Saturday’s game.