University Park, Pa. -- Thousands of loyal blue and white fans once again will get the opportunity to rally inside Beaver Stadium the night before the Nittany Lions' first game as the second edition of "Penn State Football Eve presented by Sheetz" will kick off festivities for the Nittany Lions' season opener against South Florida.
The celebration of Penn State football, its legions of loyal and enthusiastic fans and the start of the 2005 season is set for Friday, Sept. 2, in Beaver Stadium. More than 20,000 fans attended last year's event, and, with new entertainment and added attractions for Eve '05, even more people are expected this year.
Penn State fans may attend the free event, which will include a pep rally with Head Coach Joe Paterno and the squad, a Blue Band concert, cheerleaders, dance team and the Nittany Lion on hand. Friday night's celebration also will feature some added surprises and prize give-aways along Curtin Road and provide the community with the opportunity to meet the 2005 Nittany Lion football team. The night will be capped off once again with a spectacular display of Zambelli's fireworks.
"Our fans have been great standing behind us all the way," Paterno said. "And, we want to celebrate the start of a new season with them."
There is no admission or parking fee for "Penn State Football Eve presented by Sheetz." The 2005 Penn State football poster, featuring a painting by senior defensive end Matthew Rice, will be given away.
Festivities outside the stadium will start at 6:30 p.m. Events inside the stadium are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Fans are directed to use Stadium Gates A and B to enter the stadium.
Entering his 40th season as head coach, Joe Paterno heads a squad that is returning 17 starters and 33 letterwinners for the 2005 season. Penn State will play six bowl teams this season, including five at home: Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Cincinnati. The Nittany Lions' season opener with South Florida is set for 3:30 p.m. Sept. 3 in Beaver Stadium.
A limited number of tickets are available for the South Florida game and other Penn State contests by calling (814) 865-5555 or (800) 863-3336 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets also can be purchased at http://www.GoPSUsports.com online, the official Web site of Penn State Athletics.
A limited number of rooms still may be available at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for those coming from out of town to see the game. The hotel will feature a special Beat South Florida Special Rate of $99 per night plus applicable tax for either single or double occupancy. Priority is given to two-night reservations for Sept. 2-3. Those staying at The Penn Stater will be treated to free parking, free transportation to and from Beaver Stadium on game-day, and all the amenities of a full-service hotel including a fitness room and lap pool. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Reservation Office today at (800) 233-7505 or reservations@psu.edu and mention the Beat South Florida special rate.