ALTOONA, Pa. -- When Penn State coach James Franklin spoke with the media Monday, he hinted that plans for Penn State's annual Blue-White game would be released sooner rather than later, given the relaxed restrictions on outdoor gatherings.
That sooner came to reality Wednesdy, as as the Nittany Lions announced that first-year students will be allowed to attend Penn State's final spring practice at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 17. Gone -- for now -- is the Blue-White Game title, but the setup is sure to be similar, minus the general public.
"While first-year students have not yet been able to experience Nittanyville or take their spot in the best student section in the country at Beaver Stadium, we are thrilled they will be able to participate in many other favorite traditions during this final spring practice," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour said. "We are hopeful for the fall and continue to focus on the health and safety of our community and on providing the best opportunity for a full-capacity stadium for the Sept. 11 game against Ball State."
Once inside the stadium, students will be physically distanced and must wear masks or face coverings. They also will be subject to health and safety guidelines and will not be able to tailgate.
First-year students will be able to see the team practice, as well as the Nittany Lions entering the stadium, the Blue Band playing, cheer and dance teams performing and the team singing the Alma Mater at the end of the session. Those are game-day traditions the first-year students missed out on last season, when they were not permitted to attend.
Of course, it should be noted no students were able to experience any of that in 2020, but it's no surprise that the university wanted first-year students to take part, as they are expected to be on campus for the next three years. That's not necessarily the case for most upperclassmen.
In addition to first-year students, families and guests of players, coaches and staff will be allowed to watch the practice. Details about a virtual spring practice event for students and the general public are expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
