Campus Life

Call for volunteers for Penn State Military Appreciation Tailgate on Nov. 16

All-volunteer tailgate to welcome up to 8,000 service members, veterans and their families

The annual tailgate and football game — part of Penn State’s Military Appreciation Week recognizing the service and sacrifice of past and current service members and their families — are the largest military appreciation celebrations in the Big Ten. Credit: Penn State / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Volunteers are needed at the Penn State Military Appreciation Tailgate for service members, veterans and their families, to be held prior to the Nittany Lion football game against Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Volunteers can sign up using an online form. The deadline to register is Oct. 25.

The Military Appreciation Tailgate will welcome approximately 8,000 active-duty service members, veterans and their families to an all-volunteer community tailgate at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State supporters donated more than 7,000 football game tickets to the game though the Seats for Servicemembers program, enabling members of the military community and their families to attend the game at no cost.

The Military Appreciation Football Game will celebrate the America’s “Greatest Generation.” The theme for this year’s celebrations will honor those who fought and served during World War II and will coincide with the 75-year anniversaries of D-Day and the GI Bill. The Military Appreciation Game will cap a week-long series of campus events from Nov. 8 to 16 dedicated to honoring service members, veterans and military families and recognizing their service and sacrifice.

Tailgate volunteers will be asked to perform a variety of functions, including serving as veteran/guest concierge; handing out game tickets; transporting food and drinks; working as runners, greeters and foot traffic directors; and bussing and resetting tables. Volunteers are needed from six hours prior to the game to two hours after kickoff.

Penn State has a longstanding and proud tradition of serving the men and women of our military through education benefits, resources, support and more. Visit the Penn State military appreciation website to learn more about the ways Penn State continues to honor service members, veterans and their families.

For additional information or questions, contact John Barlett at psumilappreciation@gmail.com.

Last Updated July 12, 2021