Penn Staters spanning generations are uniting in State College this weekend for the university’s annual homecoming celebrations.
While the iconic Penn State Homecoming Parade may be the highest-profile event, it’s just one highlight on a full slate of events.
Here’s a rundown of some key Penn State Homecoming 2011 attractions. We’ve included some transportation and parking advisories related to the festivities, as well.
Student and Alumni Ice Cream Social
Scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, the social will feature Creamery ice cream and free entertainment.
Pep Rally
The Blue Band, Penn State cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion mascot will be among those making appearances at the rally. Set for 9 p.m. Friday at Rec Hall, the gathering will include the crowning of the 2011 Penn State Homecoming king and queen.
Homecoming Parade
Called the largest student-run collegiate homecoming parade in the country, the parade is scheduled to step off at 6 p.m. Friday. It’ll form in the parking lots on Porter and Curtin roads, then travel south on Bigler Road to Pollock Road; west on Pollock to Shortlidge Road; south on Shortlidge to College Avenue; west on College to Burrowes Road; and north on Burrowes Road to Pollock Road. The parade route will be closed to vehicular traffic from about 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; a detour route will be in effect. (Communications students will stream live parade coverage online.)
Tailgate Competition
Open to all students and alumni, the contest gives Penn State fans a chance to show off their culinary prowess and blue-and-white pride. It’ll begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Prizes will be handed out the same day.
Homecoming Football Game
The Nittany Lions will take on the Purdue Boilermakers at noon at Beaver Stadium. (Check StateCollege.com’s Penn State football page for full pigskin coverage.)
Helpful Notes
State College borough will ease some parking restrictions from 2 a.m. Friday through 2 a.m. Monday. The temporary changes will make it easier to park overnight on some residential streets. Lawn parking also will be allowed. Full details are available via the borough’s website.
In addition, CATA riders will see some route changes during the parade. Full details on that front are posted via CATA’s website.
More local-event listings for the weekend are available through the StateCollege.com community calendar.
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