UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Throughout this football season, Penn State officials will be carefully monitoring weather forecasts to ensure the safety of all who attend games at Beaver Stadium.
"We want our patrons to remain vigilant and follow any directions provided for seeking shelter – even if they are tailgating in the lots – and be aware of the potential for revised schedules for pregame activities,” said Mark Bodenschatz, Penn State associate athletic director for facilities and operations. “The stadium sound system will be used frequently before, during and after the game if directives need to be given.”
Bodenschatz said stadium personnel continually check the weather forecast leading up to and during home football games, and have mapped out color-coded evacuation routes in the event of lightning during the game. If lightning is in the area, fans will be asked to shelter in their vehicles or to go to one of the following pre-designated areas to shelter: The Bryce Jordan Center on the corner of University Drive and Curtin Road; Medlar Field near the intersection of Curtin and Porter roads; the East Parking Deck near the corner of Bigler and Curtin roads. Other facilities will be opened as needed.
Depending on the timing of any storm that includes lightning, patrons already in line could be asked to enter the stadium and remain on the ground level.
Rain is predicted for Saturday's game against Buffalo and fans are reminded that umbrellas are among the items not permitted inside Beaver Stadium. Information on Penn State's no bag policy and listing of prohibited items can be found at: http://www.gopsusports.com/facilities/bag-policy.html. While fans may wish to wait out a rainstorm beneath tents in the parking lots, this is not appropriate shelter if lightning is present. Fans should seek shelter in their vehicles or a nearby facility until the storm passes.
Stadium and emergency personnel also have a larger evacuation plan in place if needed. Color-coded evacuation routes have been mapped out in the event of lightning or emergencies during the game and patrons are asked to note in which section they are seated and which evacuation route corresponds to their section. The following routes have been established and the colors correspond to signs that have been placed throughout the stadium:
Shelter within the Stadium: Seating sections EBU-EJU; NBU-NJU; SAU-SLU; and SAC-SLC)
Shelter in place: Suites; Press Box; and Seating sections with overhangs
Gate A: Orange Route exit to Holuba Hall (seats EAU, EA, SA, SB, SC, SD, SE SF, SG, SH, SJ, SK, WA, WAU).
Gate B: Yellow Route exit to Bryce Jordan Center (seats WB, WBU, WC, WCU, WD, WDU, WE, WEU, WF, WFU, WG, WGU, WH, WHU, WJ and WJU).
Gate C: Green Route exit to Bryce Jordan Center (seats NE, NF, NG)
Gate D: Purple Route exit to Ag Arena (seats NLU, NKU, NAU)
Gate E: Blue Route exit to Multi-Sport Building (seats EB, EC ED, EE, EF, EG, EH and EJ)