Arrival & Parking Questions for MSU Game

[PennStJeff]

I know there have been various threads on this in the past, however I have some more specific questions as I have not been back in a few years and coming from a different direction than normal. I am flying into BWI Friday night with the family (wife, 8 year old girl, 12 year old boy) and then we are staying over in Harrisburg on Friday night, heading up early Saturday morning. The plan is to spend the first part of the day downtown, shops etc before heading up to a tailgate with some friends later on in the day.

I know about the the shuttle options out as Atherton which I am considering, but I think I would prefer to park directly downtown and leave the car there for the day, especially if we do some shopping and wish to throw the stuff in the trunk. First question - what time do we need to arrive for a 3:30 game to ensure the downtown lots are not full and what is the best downtown parking to choose? What time would you recommend leaving Harrisburg in the morning given the 3:30 game time to avoid the worst of the traffic? Also any recommendation for specific driving routes are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[psuro]

Leave early - you will be caught in traffic and construction. If it were me, I would be out of Harrisburg by 8 AM.
322 closer to State College is a mess. Take 322 to 11/15North to 104 to 45 West into Boalsburg. Reverse it on the way home.
There are a couple of lots along Calder Alley - one on South Allen and one on South Pugh. Not sure about other areas in town.

 

[Kmase21]

I know there have been various threads on this in the past, however I have some more specific questions as I have not been back in a few years and coming from a different direction than normal. I am flying into BWI Friday night with the family (wife, 8 year old girl, 12 year old boy) and then we are staying over in Harrisburg on Friday night, heading up early Saturday morning. The plan is to spend the first part of the day downtown, shops etc before heading up to a tailgate with some friends later on in the day.

I know about the the shuttle options out as Atherton which I am considering, but I think I would prefer to park directly downtown and leave the car there for the day, especially if we do some shopping and wish to throw the stuff in the trunk. First question - what time do we need to arrive for a 3:30 game to ensure the downtown lots are not full and what is the best downtown parking to choose? What time would you recommend leaving Harrisburg in the morning given the 3:30 game time to avoid the worst of the traffic? Also any recommendation for specific driving routes are appreciated. Thanks!

I would say earlier than a typical football weekend. It's Homecoming afterall.

I was able to park at the garage on Pugh for the App State game around 10-11am that Saturday. It filled up quickly around noon. My guess would be get there closer to 7am to ensure a spot.

 

[wlawn]

other options for parking if downtown is full...East parking deck 1,000 spaces(by the Creamery), Nittany parking deck 1,300 spaces

 

[PennStJeff]

Thanks all for you feedback

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I concur with the Rt from Harrisburg to State College, have done that many times over the years.

 

[psuro]

If you want to give your family an adventure, you could hire the PSP to fly a helicopter low over the tailgate section, and you, the wife and kids could repel down some ropes to the stadium. Avoid a lot of traffic headaches that way.

 

[rtrainer]

If you don't have a specific reason for staying in Harrisburg, I would suggest going out I-70. You won't find a place to stay past Breezewood, but the drive from there to State College is way better than the drive up 322. We are leaving from close by BWI around 8AM and should be getting into town before 11AM with little or no traffic until we get to town.

 

[jferretti]

If you don't have a specific reason for staying in Harrisburg, I would suggest going out I-70. You won't find a place to stay past Breezewood, but the drive from there to State College is way better than the drive up 322. We are leaving from close by BWI around 8AM and should be getting into town before 11AM with little or no traffic until we get to town.

Is the I-99 construction finished?

 

[Aloha T]

Is this similar to rappel???

"repel down some ropes"

 

[rtrainer]

Is the I-99 construction finished?

My understanding from my brother who went to the OSU game is that there was a minor delay because they were still paving. Somewhere I read that it should be complete by tomorrow (10/10)