Tailgating goes on at snowy Beaver Stadium lots, fans shuttle in for Penn State game

Tailgating goes on at snowy Penn St. lots

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The snow didn’t stop fans from tailgating at Penn State.

The school set up shuttles to Beaver Stadium for the No. 14 Nittany Lions’ game Saturday against Minnesota after a snowstorm forced the closure of most grass lots, eliminating 20,000 parking spaces.

A university statement Friday said tailgating was banned in remaining lots, but police said Saturday there was some confusion and that authorities were only asking fans not to set up tents to conserve space.

In one half-empty lot, however, fans were tailgating in tents about four hours before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Police said officers were focusing on other game day duties and would deal with tailgaters if it became a serious issue.

Penn State said some grass lots were covered by six inches of snow Friday. Workers cleared away snow from stadium aisles and seats.

Most fans appeared to heed the school’s warnings about traveling to the stadium. Traffic appeared to be lighter than normal for a game day.

“The drive was fine, the parking was great. It was a lot easier than it usually is,” said Mike Delli, 49, of Harrisburg.