Things to Know Before White Out 2023

Freshman Cannon Events

Every freshman has a coming-of-age moment when attending their first Penn State White Out game. These moments are manifested in four ways: wearing white overalls, a white baby-tee with Nittany Lions, a white tube top with a bold “STATE” or the brown headband with Nittany Lion ears.

Although cute and stylish, nearly all Penn State students have owned one of these pieces. Bonus points for anyone who wore the baby-tee and the lion headband together (I have earned bonus points).

But are they really to blame? When shopping at McLanahan’s or the Family Clothesline in downtown State College, too much Penn State merch looks untouched because of the low-quality and mediocre designs.

Each Penn State football game is an opportunity for students to show their flair and style all while wearing Penn State merch, but some pieces tell outsiders the student’s age, where they’ve shopped and how susceptible they are to trends.

Whatever the case, continue wearing whatever is comfortable, cute and supportive of Penn State. – Natalie Simone

Three types of people during White Out

The White Out tailgate and game in Beaver Stadium is a Saturday where everyone’s true colors show. Generally, there are three types of people at the White Out tailgate and game.

In every group, every six people in Beaver, someone has passed their limit and is too intoxicated. Slurring their words, stumbling through crowds, squinting their eyes, yelling too loud and being too confrontational. These individuals are always easy to pick out from the large groups.

Then there are some having too much fun, usually girls, that just want to dance in the stands during the game and keep falling down and bumping into people. When standing in Penn State’s student section during White Out, personal space doesn’t exist.

These people are vibe-killers and can be a liability if they keep bumping into the wrong person, but they aren’t much better than the football fans who associate their happiness and pride with whether or not Penn State wins and plays well.

Standing next to this fan can be debilitating because not everyone will hinder their self-esteem on Penn State’s football team’s final score. It feels like someone needs to tell them: “Everything is going to be okay, just enjoy the special day and game.”

To the people relating to this, own it. Be shameless during White Out, but always stay safe. – Natalie Simone

Above all weather conditions, the forecast is White Out

There are very few truths in this world, but the truest is that the Penn State White Out game is the best atmosphere in college football.

So, regardless of the weather forecast, know that wearing any color other than white upon entering Beaver Stadium is essentially wearing an Iowa jersey.

Yes, a high of 60 and rain isn’t necessarily ideal weather for an all-white fit, but something less suitable than that would be the iconic Penn State White Out game getting ruined by rain jackets not coinciding with the game's theme.

Think of the memes and jokes that would be made about the pride and joy of Penn State football if the fanbase values their comfort and dryness over supporting their team.

Go get a poncho or white jacket or maybe just suck it up and take on the weather to cheer the Nittany Lions on to get their first win against a ranked team this year. – Sophia D’Ovidio

Drink water and eat food

A wise person once said it’s a sprint, not a marathon. When it comes to tailgating a night game, especially the White Out, no words ring truer.

The aforementioned person in each group who had too much to drink is rarely someone who people are happy with once the final whistle blows if they even make it to that point.

Whether one is partaking in the consumption of alcohol or not, water and food are essential to one's survival. Tailgating the White Out game is strenuous, even for those in great shape.

Feeling light-headed while screaming in support of Penn State isn’t a good feeling. Having to wait in line for a chicken basket during the half is terrible. A worse fate would be missing a huge play to grab a water bottle or food while trying to beat the rush.

It’s not easy to time out, especially since James Franklin wants Beaver Stadium full well before the 7:30 kickoff. So start hydrating now and make sure a full and nutritious breakfast is in the cards for Saturday morning.

It never killed anyone to mix in a water, so it's better to be safe than sorry. – Sophia D’Ovidio

Natalie Simone is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.