Penn State open practice preview: Cost to attend, where to park, rules for fans, and more

Penn State football will open up a preseason camp practice for the first time in 2023 today. It marks fans first chance to see the team in pads since the Blue-White game back in April. This evening’s set of drills will look much different, of course. That was a made-for-TV and the public scrimmage. This will be a normal Nittany Lions practice under the direction of 10th-year head coach James Franklin.

“We are looking forward to the open practice that we’re having which is something that is new,” Franklin said last weekend at local media day. “It’s something that we’ve really wanted to do for a while. I brought it up to the coordinators, and we haven’t always all been on the same page that everybody wants to do it. I think some of you guys know me and Manny [Diaz] went and visited the [New England] Patriots this past off-season. We think [the open practice] going to be a good thing.

“One of the reasons I’m excited about it is we like to play in Beaver Stadium. We think being in Beaver Stadium is good for our guys, so they are not experiencing it for the first time. But I also think there’s an aspect of playing in front of the fans and playing in front of the media [anywhere] that also prepares our guys.”

Here’s everything you need to know.

When and where is the Penn State open practice?

It will be held on the outdoor practice fields between the Lasch Building and Holuba Hall. Alternate adjustments will need to be made if the weather becomes a problem. But, that’s the plan for now. Drills start at 7 p.m. ET.

“Practice entry begins at 6:30 p.m,” a press release says. “There will be two locations for practice entry: the University Drive side of the Lasch Practice Fields, located to the left of Holuba Hall, and the front side of Holuba Hall facing East Area Locker Building.

“The open practice is scheduled to last approximately two hours. For security purposes, all items are subject to inspection as fans enter the complex. Fan activities, including a kids zone and food trucks, will be present at practice.”

The event is free to attend.

What are the rules?

Here is what Penn State is asking of fans, via a news release:

• All items are subject to inspection as fans enter the complex for security purposes.
• Fans can watch the practice in its entirety (approximately two hours).
• Video and still cameras will not be permitted at practice.
• Fans are not permitted to photograph or film any of the practice. This includes cell phone videos and photos.

Where should I park?

Here’s what Penn State said in its event press release:

“Fans can park for the autograph session and practice for $1 per hour in the Stadium West parking lot. Fans will be required to pay for parking via the ParkMobile app and enter 95112 as the zone number. Download the ParkMobile app or visit ParkMobile’s Penn State site to learn more. Please note, parking lots adjacent to Holuba and Lasch are closed to public parking and are regularly patrolled.
 
“To access Holuba Hall from Stadium West lot, walk along Curtin Road and take a left at  University Drive. Holuba Hall is located on the right side of University Drive, just past Pegula Ice Arena.”

Will there be an autograph session?

Yes, but only for members of the Happy Valley United collective. It runs from 5:35 p.m. until 6:20 p.m. ET. More from a press release:

“Fans can join Happy Valley United to support Penn State’s student-athletes. Monthly memberships start at $25 with subscribers gaining access to exclusive benefits and event invitations throughout the year. To learn more and become a member of Happy Valley United, visit www.happyvalleyunited.com.
 
“Happy Valley United Members attending the autograph session can enter the University Drive side of Holuba Hall beginning at 5:35 p.m. and are permitted to bring one adult guest. Children who are 18 and under are welcome, too. Members should bring their membership card if they have one. Those who do not have a membership card but are a registered member, please plan to arrive early to check in.”

Fans can get one item signed per person.And, if you have a smart phone and credit card, non-members can sign up upon arrival. Though, Penn State suggests that you do it ahead of time for ease of access reasons.

Blue-White Illustrated will have complete coverage from the event. Join us inside The Lions Den forum tonight to learn the latest. And, if you are not a subscriber, you can see our signup offers here to access the premium forum, insider team news, practice reports, and much more!