November 15th, 2015 at 7:10 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 7:24 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 7:51 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 8:10 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 8:30 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 7:33 PM ^
I went in 2006. Lodging is tough. You're probably going to be staying quite a distance from Happy Valley. We lucked out finding a hotel room in Altoona, IIRC, and it was a hell of a drive getting out of there to get to the hotel after the game. Since it's a noon game, just tailgate after and miss the traffic.
You may still be able to get a parking pass from PSU if you call their ticket office tomorrow--the stadium is surrounded by a sea of parking lots. Tailgating scene is pretty great, you'll probably get invited to a bunch of tailgates just walking around. Penn Staters are nice at an almost uncomfortable level. Don't leave campus without going to the Creamery.
In total, it's a trip I would do again in a second. Had an incredible time--it's a great place to see a game.
November 15th, 2015 at 8:10 PM ^
Why isn't the band going? I assume they went in 2006 since you were at that game.
November 15th, 2015 at 8:55 PM ^
I didn't go with the band. Got tickets on my own, went with a buddy and my parents. The full MMB hasn't gone to a non-OSU/MSU/ND/Dallas away game since (IIRC) Illinois in 1999. '01 PSU was just a pep band, full band trip got yanked when the Cold War game was announced.
We were supposed to go in 2006, Lloyd specifically wanted the band there and they had made the reservations for travel and lodging and everything... but PSU is somewhat stingy about opposing team bands--JoePa had a thing (and, really, rightfully so) about not wanting bands on the field level. Basically, to make it happen, as I understood it, they needed to find a block of 250 seats in the stands to put us. The tickets had already been sold (this was all put into motion shortly before the first game that year), so it was a no-go.
PSU is an expensive trip for the band. It's a long drive, involves hotel stays (pretty sure policy no longer allows homestays), etc. etc. etc. Don't know specifically why it's a no-go this year, but it wasn't expected to be a big game, and with all the issues involved getting a band in there, I'm guessing it was off the table from the start.
November 15th, 2015 at 9:24 PM ^
See I honestly don't understand this.
All of your points are valid, but Penn State's band routinely makes trips to the Big House (it's the same distance for them). Almost every time they play here. And they sit field level.
If Penn State has the money and ability to send their band, we should too. Especially when there are no other band trips this year.
If it's an issue of Penn State not allowing our band there, we should ban them from the Big House until they do so.
November 16th, 2015 at 12:52 AM ^
1. Penn State doesn't ban bands. It's just a logistical issue sometimes, especially for games with significantly more fan interest. Some stadiums, like OSU, have permanent visiting band sections. Others, like ours and MSU, have temporary seating on field level as-needed. PSU seems to be a little different.
2. If you want to pay for it, go right ahead. The MMB takes donations. Some bands have different endowments and revenue streams for travel than others. If you want to take issue with how the MMB does this, give Revelli Hall a call and tell them how to do their jobs with the resources they have.
3. Different stadiums--different rules. Even Lloyd had issues with the seating arrangements for bands. Whether or not you want to acknowledge it, having been bowled over by players on the sidelines at MSU, ND, and at Michigan Stadium, I can tell you it's not the safest thing. They come in quick, and a football player in full equipment moving full speed versus a band kid with virtually no protection, probably getting taken out at the knees... It's a recipe for disaster. At the same time, putting bands in stands requires essentially giving up a huge chunk of saleable tickets--hell, Michigan used to put the MMB on the ground for the bigger games just to make a few more dollars.
This is a complicated issue. If you have a problem with it, pony up the cash, write a letter, and get informed.
November 17th, 2015 at 10:38 AM ^
Having been to all of these stadiums you mention, there is no difference whatsoever in sideline room between PSU and the likes of MSU, UM and ND. The difference seems to be in Penn State's preferences. They obviously have no problem with people being on the field given they consistenly send their own students to on field seating. Michigan and Ohio State, who always receive Penn State's band but never send theirs to Happy Valley, obviously don't have a problem with sideline seating as a general rule either given they consistently send their bands to places with this arrangement.
It'd be one thing if Penn State took a principaled stand against player's on the field due to the valid reasons you mention, but that's absolutely not the case. Browsing PSU message boards on this issue, it seems much more so that they (in addition to the potential cost of it) just don't want to hear an opposing fight song in their stadium. My view is if you can't host bands you shouldn't be sending them elsewhere.
It's also hilarious because Penn State's average game attendance is more than 10,000 below capacity. The game this weekend still has 3,000 tickets unsold.
November 15th, 2015 at 7:34 PM ^
what else did you see there when you were 12, a tour of the showers?
November 15th, 2015 at 7:38 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 7:38 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 7:51 PM ^
The team has gotten better and better and better. If we weren't injured we'd be looking really good. I think we have enough to beat the Nittanies.
November 15th, 2015 at 8:02 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 7:47 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 8:00 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 8:06 PM ^
I will be there.. prepare to win
November 15th, 2015 at 8:11 PM ^
You should stay an hour away or so. Lodging is impossible close by.
We are staying in DuBois Friday, about 1 hour and 20 minutes west of PSU, which is on the way for us (coming from Ann Arbor).
Clearfield is sold out.
Brookville and Clarion are also options although a little farther than DuBois.
November 15th, 2015 at 8:32 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 8:44 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 8:13 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 8:43 PM ^
my 14 year old daughter. I've been instructed by a PSU season ticket holder to arrive at the stadium by 9:00 and to expect sitting in traffic for at least an hour getting out. I found a hotel room 3/4 mile away via a rare extenuating circumstances cancellation. Most hotels in State College (if they still have rooms) are ~ $500+ per night with a two night minimum and don't allow for cancellations within 30 days. I stayed in Happy Valley on my way out to the Northwestern/UM game last month and really liked it. As others have said, The Creamery is a can't miss and close to the stadium. I'll be walking to/from the game and possibly the two miles into town for dinner afterward. There are parking garages in town a la Ann Arbor. Can't wait to sit behind the Michigan bench 14 rows up from the field.
November 15th, 2015 at 9:46 PM ^
What section are you in on the sideline?
November 15th, 2015 at 8:16 PM ^
My son and I are heading out from the Cincy area around noon on Fri. Staying in Altoona. This will be the fifth stadium (NW, IN, IL, Purd) we've seen the Wolverines play. Planning on a IA trip in 2016, although we hope to see the Hawkeyes on 12/5/15.
November 15th, 2015 at 8:38 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 8:53 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 9:00 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 9:28 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 9:07 PM ^
People were exceptionally nice. We didn't have any local ice cream or food but heard it is awesome.
Be prepared to see huge dairy silos pulling up. Really contrast compared to A2.
Get there early, be prepared for lots of traffic on the way out, enjoy the people. You'll have a great time!
November 15th, 2015 at 9:13 PM ^
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November 15th, 2015 at 9:16 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 9:33 PM ^
A group of 7 of us in total (all students) are taking our Senior Year roadtrip to Happy Valley.
Now that it's a noon game, we're leaving on Friday, staying in DuBois (5 hours from Ann Arbor, 1.5 from PSU) and then driving back to Ann Arbor Saturday night. Parking in the Brown lot on the Northwest Side of the stadium! If anyone is having a Michigan tailgate, we will have lots of beer and be more than happy to join!
ALSO, I have an extra ticket! GREAT SEAT!
35 yard line on the side of Michigan's bench, 30 rows up. I'd ask for the price I paid for it ($110), which I think is fair for a lower bowl sideline seat. Really don't want to have to sell it to a Nittany Lion, so if you want to sit with a few friendly UM students and watch us notch our 9th win, reply to this comment with an email and I'll reach out!
November 15th, 2015 at 9:39 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 9:40 PM ^
No, sorry :(
It sucks having just one left over, makes it hard to sell.
November 15th, 2015 at 10:00 PM ^
I actually have 2 tickets on the 45 yardline - 12 rows up - ROW P - behind the Michigan Bench. I paid $200 each, and I'm going to be lucky to get $300 of that back as I have them up on Stubhub for $175 each. I'd sell them to you for $165 each - no fees if you were interested (SH fees are going to make it over $400). I'm going to be at the game too - we end up getting seats on the Club level so we could be indoors to warm up during half time (I'd feel guilty if I made the wife freeze outdoors - I already feel bad enough about the 4 hours drive each way).
November 15th, 2015 at 10:12 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 10:26 PM ^
My wife doesn't go to games with me because she loves Michigan football - so believe me, 40 degree weather is freezing.
November 15th, 2015 at 10:24 PM ^
Ha - I just looked on SH and somebody is selling tickets in my same row for $140 and they are including parking. That's a much better deal than I am offering. I'm just not ready to go that low yet.
November 15th, 2015 at 10:39 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 10:49 PM ^
November 16th, 2015 at 8:42 AM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 9:40 PM ^
November 15th, 2015 at 11:33 PM ^
Happy Valley is the most hostile environment I've witnessed as a fan of the visiting team*. And it was a blast. I was there for the 2006 tilt, and aside from the gauntlet that was entering the stadium and finding our seats, it was one of the best sporting event experiences I've ever had. But bring your thick skin. and wear a thick coat. that's the only place i've ever had full beers (cans and bottles) thrown at me.
*I have never been to a game in Columbus.
November 16th, 2015 at 7:24 AM ^
...PSU fans were pretty nice up until kickoff, but got really (really) angry in the midst of what was the most dominant UM performance I had ever seen. Given that PSU was #2 (I think) at the time, it was too much for some of the fans to handle.
I am curious to see what it is like there post Paterno, Sandusky-scandal, etc. Most plugged-in PSU folks I know think Franklin is not the answer, and think he has been given a pass due to the sanctions, and there is a general sense of displeasure about how the program is doing.
November 15th, 2015 at 10:00 PM ^
Canadian cowbell girl will be there. She will be doing shots and drinking beer out of a plastic bat during the pre game tailgate!