Violators will face criminal, student penalties
University Park, Pa. - Penn State fans have earned a reputation as being among the most loyal and classiest supporters in all of college football. The University is taking steps to ensure that the irresponsible actions of a few do nothing to harm that reputation or harm the well-being of other fans in Beaver Stadium.
For the past two seasons, University Police have stepped up security in the part of the stadium where complaints have been the heaviest - the student section - while maintaining a thorough presence throughout the stands. One of their primary duties is to keep a watchful eye out for any dangerous and illegal activity by fans.
"The number of incidents among 106,000 or more fans is small, but it takes only one thrown plastic bottle filled with water to seriously injure someone and ruin an enjoyable day at the ball game," said Bill Mahon, assistant vice president for University Relations. "With aggressive policing, we hope to make the stadium safer and the games more enjoyable."
Individuals observed engaging in dangerous activity - particularly throwing objects at people in the stadium or on the playing field - will be subject to immediate removal from the stadium and criminal charges. Additionally, Penn State students will be referred to the University's Office of Judicial Affairs.
Beyond facing arrest and possible student sanctions, violators will lose the right to attend any future games. "That means, if you are a freshman caught throwing an object from the stands, it could be four or more years - after graduation day - before you are again allowed to buy a ticket to a Penn State football game," said Mahon.
During one home game in 2002, 35 students were ejected from the stadium. Since that time, police have cracked down on offenders and helped create a safer and more positive environment for fans to support the Nittany Lions.
"Last year, we had almost no throwing of objects in the student stands," said Tom Harmon, director of University Police. "Police officers and ushers will continue to identify anyone throwing objects in the stadium, and those individuals will be subject to ejection, student sanction and a disorderly conduct citation. We are determined not to allow this dangerous behavior to ever become common practice again."